Verizon created smart stores solution for Anhold’s retail network

To better accommodate more than three million customers and 115,000 associates each week across 780 store locations, Ahold USA’s retail divisions, Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle, embarked on a technology overhaul in collaboration with Verizon Enterprise Solutions to create a ‘smarter store’ for today’s always-connected consumer.

Now 780 shops have Wi-Fi networks that is instrumental for the Ahold USA divisions to tailor offers and promotions to subscribers of their app and SCAN IT! Mobile feature, which allows customers to use smartphones to scan items for self-serve checkout.

Additionally, Ahold USA division associates can rely on strong network connectivity to rapidly and securely transmit data related to everything from inventory needs to medical prescriptions and point of sale transactions.

Underscoring the growing popularity of the Wi-Fi feature, in December 2016 alone Ahold USA’s divisions saw an overall 23% spike in the number of users over the previous month.

On top of improving the customer experience, the technology upgrade includes operational enhancements across all Ahold USA division stores.

All locations are now equipped with Verizon’s business-grade voice-over-IP (VoIP) phone solution which streamlines network management and cost efficiencies while extending the capabilities of the company’s existing phone system.

Further, the addition of Verizon’s industry leading wireless network capabilities in each location will provide backup connectivity to help maintain business continuity in the event of outages which can be harmful to business and a company’s brand.