Blink developed this convenience- and omnichannel-focused concept with smooth shopping in mind.
CLIENT
Albert Heijn Supermarket
LOCATION
Netherlands
INDUSTRY
Grocery/Convenience
SCOPE
Retail concept development, Omnichannel, strategy
Retail concept development, Omnichannel, strategy
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.
The redesigned Scandinavian Airlines concept has successfully repositioned the airline as a preferred choice for frequent travelers, irrespective of their purpose of travel. The incorporation of state-of-the-art self-serve technology has streamlined the customer journey, saving time and providing a hassle-free experience. By reconnecting with Scandinavian core values through contemporary design and an informal tone of voice, the airline has created a distinct brand identity that resonates with passengers, fostering loyalty and enhancing the overall travel 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.
Key concept features
Concept Fusion: Balancing Convenience and Variety
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.
Seamless Customer Journey: zoned Layout
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.
Ready to eat food service: fresh food
Extensive offering all day: breakfast, lunch, dinner
Component Cooking Solutions
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.
Omnichannel Integration
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.
RESULTS
Enhanced Customer Experience:
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.
Increased Footfall:
The innovative design attracted a diverse customer base, leading to increased footfall and prolonged visits.
Positive Feedback:
Customer feedback highlighted the ease of use, the excitement of component cooking solutions, and the store's seamless integration with their busy lifestyles.
Omnichannel Success:
The omnichannel integration was well-received, with a significant number of customers embracing the app's features for efficient shopping.
— Remco Duchardt, format manager at Albert Heijn