The 'Albert Heijn XL' supermarket in Purmerend (The Netherlands) has been reopened after an extensive renovation, which has turned the outlet into the most sustainably operated supermarket in Europe.
As a result of innovative energy-saving measures, the store is now more than 100% CO2 neutral and supplies adjacent shops with the surplus of energy generated.
The store's interior design has made extensive use of recycled materials and energy saving LED lights. Solar panels on the store's roof are powering E-Car-charging stations.
Added retail concepts, focusing on fresh food include 'fresh fish on ice' and a juice- and yoghurtbar. The store also encourages a more interactive, 'choose it yourself' shopping experience - customers can for instance pick their own herbs from a mini-greenhouse, or select their shellfish.
Aiming to play an active role in the local community, the redesigned store lay-out includes an interactive play-area for young children and a backpack-storage area for students from the local school.
© 2016 European Supermarket Magazine – your source for the latest retail news. Article by Martha Sparrius. To subscribe to ESM: The European Supermarket Magazine, click here.
