Performance by segment - continued
Highlights of the year
Performance o www.ahold.com/reports2009
The following table contains operational information including net sales and operating
income for Albert Heijn in 2009 and 2008:
(in millions except percentages and employees) 2009 2008
Net sales in
9,843
8,972
Change in identical sales: Albert Heijn supermarkets
1.7%
9.2%
Operating income in
Operating income as a percentage of net sales
Underlying operating income as a percentage of net sales
654
6.6%
6.6%
647
7.2%
7.0%
Number of employees at year-end (headcount)
Number of employees at year-end (FTE)
80,471
27,399
76,065
27,382
Sales area of own operated stores (in thousands of square meters)
865
846
Net sales
Net sales increased 9.7 percent to €9.8 billion in 2009. This sales growth was positively
impacted by an additional week in 2009 and the inclusion of 56 former Schuitema stores
that were transferred to Albert Heijn, mainly during the second half of 2008. Adjusted for
the additional week, sales increased by 7.3 percent. Despite the competitive market,
economic downturn, and inflation turning into deflation, Albert Heijn supermarkets
identical sales increased by 1.7 percent, largely due to effective promotions.
Operating income
In 2009, operating income increased €7 million or 1.1 percent to €654 million. Albert
Heijn benefited from identical sales growth and a focus on cost efficiencies. This was
partially offset by significantly increased pension charges.
Impairments of €6 million were offset by a €6 million gain on the sale of real estate, as
discussed in Results from operations under Group performance in this Annual Report.
Store portfolio development
January 3, December 28,
2010 2008
Number of stores
Albert Heijn supermarkets
Etos
Gall Gall
835
518
539
823
506
532
The Netherlands
1,892
1,861
Sales million)
9,843 35.2%
Ahold (total group)
Albert Heijn
Retail operating income million)
Ahold (total group)
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn continued the
roll-out of its new supermarket
format and launched a new
private label for responsible
products, AH puur&eerlijk
Albert Heijn's XL store format
was named best supermarket
in the Netherlands
Etos was named the best
drugstore and best drugstore
chain in the Netherlands
Gall Gall rebranded and
refreshed all of its stores by
mid-2009
One headquarters for Albert
Heijn/Etos/Gall Gall in
Zaandam
Ahold Annual Report 2009 20
