Ahold and
Delhaize, which meant, among other things, that the group had to dispose of a few shops. How has the cooperation evolved since then? There are still two separate head offices, but that is quite normal, thinks van Egmond: We have more separate companies within the group, think of bol.com, Etos, Gall & Gall. So we are used to working with more local brands.
A remarkable conclusion after those ten years is that Albert Heijn and Delhaize have become very complementary retail formulas, which can literally coexist. Willebroek is a fantastic example, agrees Van den Heuvel. Literally across the street, the Delhaize entrepreneur has opened an Albert Heijn there. He is very satisfied with both banners: he proudly wears the Delhaize sign but is also very enthusiastic about Albert Heijn. He even asks me to add a second store already. I feel that appetite in all entrepreneurs I speak to: we want to grow! It s very nice to be able to work with entrepreneurs in that way. Does