Albert Heijn B.V. is a supermarket chain founded in 1887 in Oostzaan, the Netherlands. It is named after Albert Heijn senior, the founder of the first store which was a small grocery store in Oostzaan. Albert Heijn is the oldest part of Ahold, but still has the largest market share in the Netherlands. The stores are full service-supermarkets (as opposed to discounters) known for their focus on quality (in stores and products) which, in the past, was the reason for Albert Heijn being known as one of the more relatively expensive supermarkets. However, after the recent price-war (which was initiated by Albert Heijn itself and involved nearly all Dutch supermarket chains) the prices are now at a normal level. Prices can be cut down further by using a well-known "discount-card"-based system for customers. Marcia Hines jokingly referred to herself as "Marcia Heijns" recently on a television appearance in Australia when asked about her trip to The Netherlands. Formulas:
- 700 regular Albert Heijn stores, ranging in categories 1 (small) to 5 (very large); mostly open until 20:00 or 22:00.
- AH to go (convenience stores located in high commuter traffic places such as train stations, offering ready-to-eat products); usually with extended shopping hours, closing between 22:00 and 1:00. Prices, especially those of beer, are significantly higher than in regular stores.
- Albert Heijn XL (hypermarkets which are located in Alkmaar, Almere, Arnhem, Assen, Den Haag, Eindhoven, Helmond, Hoofddorp, Leeuwarden, Maastricht, Nijmegen, Purmerend, Rijswijk, Rotterdam, Tilburg, Utrecht, Vlissingen, Zaandam and Zoetermeer)
- Albert (web-based home delivery service offering all Albert Heijn products and those of other Ahold companies like Gall & Gall, Etos and Deli XL)
See also
External links
- Albert Heijn website (Dutch)
