Dutch supermarket Plus Retail, part of Sperwer Holding, has unveiled a brand new concept store in Boxtel in the southern Netherlands which it says will offer a next-generation retail format based on the brand values of care, quality, local and responsibility.
With plans to roll out the new concept via a total of 15 new Plus stores in the country during 2010, the food retail specialist said it was hoping to make shopping a 'special experience', focusing in particular on customers, products, shopping and price.
Offering an easier way to shop by means of a convenient store layout and logical visual presentation of the various ranges in store, the new Plus Retail format sets out to adjust the traditional Dutch retail store layout by installing shelves that run the length of the store instead of diagonally.
The fresh produce department is prominently positioned, as are the bakery and wine sections, with meats and dairy products in the heart of the store.
In fact, fresh fruit and vegetables can be found alongside the meat department towards the back, making it easier for shoppers to put together evening meals as the walk around.
'In order to enhance every possible interaction between Plus customers and employees, there are several customer contact points in the store,' commented Bas Sentselaar, head of marketing development at Plus.
Products such as bread and meats are freshly prepared right in front of customers, while increased staffing of key areas in the store is aimed at benefiting shoppers.
'Additional hours scheduled on the fresh departments offer our customers an even better service,' adds Mr Sentselaar. 'Our responsibility to our brand values is reflected in the daily covering of cooling units, the use of LED lighting, the number of cashless tills, recyclable bags, knowledgeable business professionals and our extensive range of organic and Fairtrade products.'
The new Plus store also claims to offer a larger range of fresh produce, especially locally produced fruits and vegetables, some of it marketed under either the exclusive private label Appétit or the health product brand Gijs.
Plus is also aiming to be the right choice for shoppers when it comes to price. Having expanded its range significantly compared with other stores in its portfolio, the concept store is said to offer a 'substantial price reduction' on a large part of its range.
All in all, Plus is aiming to draw in new customers by offering the best possible service. As a result, the retailer says it realises that franchisees and their employees will play a crucial role in helping the new concept to grow and expand.
'We have been able to add value to the daily shop,' insisted Jan Ferwerda, general manager of the new Plus format. 'I am therefore proud that, at this time of erosion in many areas, we are showing we can add value to Plus both for our entrepreneurs and their consumers.'
Plus Retail operates a total of 274 supermarkets in the Netherlands, employing over 1,200 people and turning over some €1.9bn last year.
Plus managing director Jan Ferweda assists the first shopper to visit the new store
