Retail concept development, Omnichannel
Blink's innovative hybrid concept for Albert Heijn city supermarkets merges the ease of a convenience store with the extensive offerings of a supermarket. Catering to modern consumers' diverse needs for quick bites, on-the-go meals, and comprehensive grocery shopping. Through a holistic approach that combined fresh self-service options, ready-made meals, component cooking solutions, and state-of-the-art omnichannel design, the new format revolutionized the customer journey for city supermarkets and elevated the shopping experience.
Blink's transformation of the traditional supermarket model into the Albert Heijn Hybrid City Supermarket by blending convenience, variety, and innovative technology, Blink reimagined the shopping journey, setting a new benchmark for retail experiences in the digital age of convenience grocery retail.
Blink's team innovated and collaborated extensively with Albert Heijn to fuse the convenience store and supermarket concepts. The resulting hybrid design was the foundation for the Albert Heijn Hybrid City Supermarket.
The store layout was meticulously crafted with distinct zones. The entrance showcased quick bites like sushi, pizzas, and sandwiches, transitioning to ready-made meals and fresh ingredients for home cooking. This zoned layout intuitively guided customers through their desired shopping experience.
Extensive offering all day: breakfast, lunch, dinner
The concept of 'component cooking' was introduced, where customers could purchase pre-prepped components to create customized meals quickly. This approach aligned with modern consumers' desire for both convenience and customization.
State-of-the-art technology seamlessly integrated online and offline experiences. The smartphone app enabled customers to create shopping lists, explore in-store offers, and even pre-order items for pickup.
The Albert Heijn Hybrid City Supermarket's design elevated the shopping experience. Customers could now fulfill a spectrum of needs – from a quick in-store snack to a comprehensive grocery shopping trip – all under one roof.
The innovative design attracted a diverse customer base, leading to increased footfall and prolonged visits.
Customer feedback highlighted the ease of use, the excitement of component cooking solutions, and the store's seamless integration with their busy lifestyles.
The omnichannel integration was well-received, with a significant number of customers embracing the app's features for efficient shopping.
“Sale sare up above expectations. There is a significantly higher number of transactions and a greatly improved food experience.”
— Remco Duchardt, format manager at Albert Heijn
