Dutch grocer Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize NV and China-based technology firm Hanshow Technology Co. Ltd. will expand their partnership to enhance the digital in-store capabilities of the former's European brands, according to a Sept. 13 release.
The companies began their partnership in 2018 with the rollout of Hanshow's electronic shelf labels across Delhaize Belgium stores and Albert Heijn outlets in the Netherlands. The electronic shelf labels allow shoppers to obtain product information and pay through their mobile phones or near-field communication cards. They also have capabilities for automated price reductions for items that are about to expire.
Under the extended partnership, Ahold Delhaize will deploy the electronic shelf labels across all its locations in Europe, which include stores in the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxemburg, Greece, Czech Republic, Serbia and Romania.
The two also plan to set up a joint innovation lab to develop digital capabilities such as frictionless payment, in-store navigation and in-store advertising.
As part of the agreement, Hanshow will move its European headquarters to the Amsterdam region, close to Ahold Delhaize's global support office, for seamless collaboration, the Dutch retailer said.
