Supermarket giant upgrades wireless network with Verizon

Ahold USA can now boast it has “smarter stores” for its increasingly connected consumers.



The supermarket giant has rolled out a new wireless platform from Verizon Enterprise Solutions across its divisions, which include Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro, Giant Landover, and Giant Carlisle, The platform has resulted in a digitally rich in-store experience for the grocer’s smartphone-using shoppers.



“Our divisions are focused on the needs of their customers and improving the overall customer experience,” said Paul Scorza, CIO, Ahold USA. “Verizon Enterprise Solutions helped us to bring Wi-Fi to all 780 division stores, while increasing network bandwidth that moves data quickly.”



With the Wi-Fi connectivity, stores can tailor offers and promotions to app users of the mobile Scan It! service, which allows customers to use smartphones to scan items for self-serve checkout.



In addition, associates can now confidently rely on strong network connectivity to rapidly and securely transmit data related to everything from inventory needs to medical prescriptions and point-of-sale (POS) transactions.



All of Ahold’s divisions already experienced an overall 23% spike in the number of network users in December, compared to the previous month.



“With a strong, reliable network, store associates are in a great position to succeed; whether helping a customer with a price, ordering an item or finding a product, associates can get the job done faster and easier,” Scorza added.



From an operational perspective, the network now supports a 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 wireless network helps maintain business continuity in the event of outages.