Ahold USA marks 120th pickup point, Chicago e-commerce development center

CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA has opened 120 pickup points for online orders as of the end of 2013, the supermarket operator said Monday.

Ahold, which hopes to triple its online food sales by 2016, said the opening of pickup points in the United States and Europe would be an important part of reaching that goal. Most of the pickup points in the United States are operated under the Stop & Shop, Giant Food of Landover, Md., and Giant Food Stores of Carlisle, Pa., banners. The 120 pickup points compare with only eight a year ago.

The company's online grocery division, Peapod, also announced the opening of a digital innovation center in Chicago, dubbed Peapod Propulsion Labs, which the company said would further drive its e-commerce efforts.

"There is healthy competition for online talent, and we want to attract that talent to fuel our ambitious growth plans," Ahold USA EVP e-commerce and supply chain Jan van Dam said. "A highly inspired workplace in Chicago is a good start in getting key online talent into our company. Peapod Propulsion Labs is designed to leverage Peapod's e-commerce expertise across our organization as we continue to take steps to help customers shop where they want, how they want and when they want."