Dutch retailer Albert Heijn is set to move its Home Shop Centre (HSC) in De Meern to Utrecht as it looks to expand its delivery capabilities.
The new location spans across more than 21,000 square metres and offers more room for growth and meets the sustainability requirements that the retailer sets for HSCs.
The new location will be operational at the beginning of May and all 800 employees will continue at the new site.
Albert Heijn Moving DE Meern HSC
In 2016, the HSC in De Meern – one of the eight locations where Albert Heijn collects the groceries ordered online for customers – was renovated in order to be able to grow in line with the increasing demand for home delivery.
Because further growth at the current location is not possible and the Dutch retailer considers it important that the locations meet certain sustainability criteria, HSC De Meern is effectively moving to a new location in Utrecht.
Albert Heijn will continue working in De Meern for the next three months as the Utrecht site gets ready for use at the beginning of May.
Read More: Albert Heijn Closes 2021 With A Market Share Of 35.9%
Utrecht HSC
The new location in Utrecht is one and a half times larger than the current location, the retailer noted.
As a result, the entire range can be included under one roof and the HSC can handle up to 50,000 orders per week.
The HSC will continue to supply goods to the same hubs in Amersfoort, Ede, Nieuwegein and Geldermalsen.
Delivery vehicles will also drive directly from Utrecht to customers in the area.
The Utrecht location will receive the BREEAM-NL Excellent certification.
The retailer has implemented several sustainable solutions in the design of the new site, including solar panels, an energy-efficient cold store, energy-efficient LED lighting, and a heat pump for the climate control system in the offices.
© 2022 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest Retail news. Article by Conor Farrelly. Click subscribe to sign up to ESM: European Supermarket Magazine.
