Ahold Delhaize to increase online sales | Progresiv
Ahold's aim for online is to increase sales to 2.5 billion euros by the end of 2017. The merger with Delhaize represents a great opportunity to expand its online skill further and provides a ready-made base to expand its service, especially in the US. 
Ahold offers a variety of fulfilment options to ensure success. For example fresh food suppliers deliver directly to the retailer's dedicated fulfilment centres, termed Home Shop Centres (HSC), four times a day. Bypassing the main DC network, this ensures quality and freshness for customers; Ahold guarantees fresh products will be delivered within 13 hours of leaving the HSC.
Ahold launched its 'pick up point' service in 2012 so shoppers in the Netherlands and the US can collect online orders from a store or dedicated pick up point. It offers shoppers more flexibility, so they easily integrate collection into an existing route. Following the merger with Delhaize, adding pick up points in Delhaize stores is likely to be an area of short-term focus, helping to drive awareness and sales.
Ahold's supply chain has been developed to drive operational excellence in online fulfilment. The retailer has taken a scaled approach to building capability. This has culminated in two dedicated online fulfilment centres that receive products from the main DC network and suppliers. Product is stored, picked and packed before onward delivery either to home addresses or pick up points. (www.igd.com)
