Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn is the largest supermarket chain in the Netherlands, founded in 1887 in Oostzaan, now part of Ahold Delhaize and holding roughly a third of the Dutch grocery market. In Amsterdam it trades in three formats: full-size branches in most neighbourhoods, compact AH to go outlets near stations and busy streets selling sandwiches, coffee and snacks, and larger AH XL stores with wider fresh, deli and non-food ranges. Most branches open daily from around 8am until 8pm or 10pm, with the to go outlets keeping longer hours. The Bonuskaart loyalty scheme gives access to the weekly discounted bonus items advertised throughout the shops. For visitors the practical appeal is the price: stroopwafels, Dutch cheese, drop liquorice, speculaas and own-brand chocolate and coffee all cost considerably less here than in the souvenir shops of the centre. Self-checkout tills are standard and card payment, including contactless, is accepted everywhere.

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