Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn B.V. is a supermarket chain founded in 1887 in Oostzaan, Netherlands. It is named after Albert Heijn, Sr., the founder of the first store in Oostzaan.

Albert Heijn is the oldest part of Ahold, and still has the largest market share in the Netherlands. Fact|date=January 2008 The stores are full service supermarkets (as opposed to discounters) known for their focus on quality stores and products. This focus on quality is part of the reason that Albert Heijn is regarded as one of the more expensive supermarkets. However, after the recent price war - initiated by Albert Heijn itself and involving nearly all Dutch supermarket chains - the prices are now at a normal level. Fact|date=January 2008 At the moment, its market share is around 30 per cent. Prices can be further discounted by using a customer discount card, called "Bonus kaart" in Dutch.

Types of stores

*750 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 located in several Dutch cities
*"Albert.nl", a web-based home delivery service offering all Albert Heijn products and those of other Ahold companies, such as Gall & Gall and Etos

ee also

*Gerrit Jan Heijn

External links

* [http://www.ah.nl/ Albert Heijn website] nl icon

* [http://www.albert.nl/ Albert.nl website] nl icon