Albert Heijn

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 organization owned and operated by the Dutch supermarket operator Ahold. The stores are full service markets (as opposed to discounters) known for their focus on quality stores and products. This focus on superior products is part of the reason that Albert Heijn is regarded as one of the more expensive supermarkets in the Netherlands, Belgium and Curaçao. However, after a recent price war - initiated by Albert Heijn itself and involving nearly all Dutch supermarket chains from late 2003 all the way into 2006 - the prices are now at a more normal level.

Albert Heijn currently uses three distinct price levels. These include: the 'A-brands', a store brand and a discount brand named Euro Shopper. Their store brand is considered to be near as good as the a-brand products but at a lower price. Euro Shopper products mostly include commodities with a long shelf life. These products share the same simple packaging art to uphold the image of a no-nonsense, low price brand. Prices can be further discounted by using a customer discount card, called "Bonuskaart" in Dutch. These cards can also be used for getting "airmiles".

At the moment, Albert Heijn's market share is around 30%. The company's logo consists of a stylized "ah" beside a white swoosh.