In 1995, Albert Heijn introduced a dry-cleaning service and the
Euroshopper product line, offering customers a greatly increased
selection of budget price products. The number of stores offering
photo processing service and over-the-counter medications
grew sharply. An experimental gourmet shop offering prepared
sandwiches, fried fish, salads and hot meals, is being tested in
several stores.
Ministores (915 sq. ft. sales area), such as the one in the
Groningen Academic Hospital, and a large supermarket (38,550
sq. ft. sales area) in Beek further expanded the range of store formats
within the Albert Heijn family. In early 1996, Albert Heijn and
Shell began a joint trial offering a special assortment in several
Shell station shops.
Extended store opening hours and a rise in the number of
sales outlets will improve the availability of both new and existing
Albert Heijn goods and services. The new cluster organization, as
well as the quick and efficient distribution system, make manage
ment of a wider variety of store types both practical and profitable.
Sales at Ahold Specialty Stores (Gall Gall, Etos, De Tuinen,
Jamin, Pragmacare, Ter Huurne) rose from NLG 1.1 billion to
NLG 1.2 billion (including sales by franchisees). Gall Gall and
Etos both increased their market share. By year end 1995, Ahold
Specialty Stores operated 933 outlets, including 308 franchise stores.
The Gall Gall liquor store chain achieved sales of
NLG 438 million, including sales by franchisees. This represented
marked growth over 1994. In a shrinking market, Gall Gall
managed to increase its market share significantly from 21.6% to
23.4%. The strong performance was due to improvements in
marketing, assortment and store organization, including a better
presentation of wines and introduction of special assortments in
Istop!
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prime locations. Customers responded positively to the introduc
tion of the Air Miles savings program and the debit card payment
option. The number of franchise stores grew by 20 to 96. The total
number of outlets grew to 426. Operating results also increased.
Etos health and beauty care stores had an exceptionally
good year. Sales, including those by franchisees, rose 25.2% to
NLG 380 million. Operating results also increased substantially.
Market share grew from 10.0% to 12.2%. Growth was largely a
function of improved assortment, Etos brand products, introduction
of the Air Miles savings program and very low prices on leading
perfume brands, which attracted new customers. The total number
of franchise outlets grew by 50 to 149. The total number of stores
reached 268.
Sales of De Tuinen natural product stores grew 16.2%
to reach NLG 37 million. Operating results remained negative.
De Tuinen's format is still evolving, and will be further focused
on natural health care products and related items. The number of
private label products increased further.
Etos health and beauty care stores and Gall 15 Gall liquor stores
vastly improved their market share in 1995.
The market share for Schuitema's Cl 000
supermarket format also rose, by 0.3% to 7.5%.
Ahold Specialty Stores
Aanbieding
WW*
Annual Report 1995 Royal Ahold 11
