“At Ahlsell, we have our customers at the center, and therefore it is important that we continually follow and adapt to their needs. We can see that customers' purchasing patterns are changing. They prefer to receive goods quickly, easily, and conveniently, and are increasingly shopping online and using our digital services and product handling concepts. Therefore, we have chosen to transform 11 of our physical stores into self-service stores, which will be open 24/7,” says Claudio Christensen, CEO of Ahlsell.
The new self-service stores will be set up in smaller shops or large mobile 40-foot containers, which will initially be placed at the same locations as the current physical stores. Subsequently, the stores can be moved to locations where customers need quick and easy access to goods. The mobile stores will contain approximately 1,000 of the most locally sold items. Customers will complete their purchases through Ahlsell's popular self-service solution Scan & Go, which is already used in all of the company's stores.
Ahlsell's digital business is experiencing significant growth, while customers are increasingly utilizing the company's intelligent warehouse and service bill solutions. In contrast, the Danish wholesaler is witnessing a change in customers' needs for physical stores. There is a demand for a wide product range in larger cities, where Ahlsell plans to expand and upgrade the stores. In smaller towns, the need is lesser, and digital usage is greater. On this basis, intelligent solutions are being utilized to transform 11 stores into 24/7 self-service stores.
The transformation of physical stores into self-service stores will take place as early as the beginning of August. Customers in the local area will be served by their current local Ahlsell salesperson. Ahlsell's customers are already shopping digitally through the Ahlsell app and web store and will be able to have their goods delivered via our flexible delivery services to the company's address or directly to the construction site.
In addition, customers will be offered the opportunity to utilize Ahlsell's unique intelligent inventory solutions, such as the EasySupply SmartButton solution. Here, customers get their own customized Ahlsell inventory at their workshop or in the company's service vehicles, ensuring that goods and spare parts are always available.
"Customers should know that they can still receive high-quality service at Ahlsell, even though their nearest store will be without physical service," says Claudio Christensen
In addition to the new self-service stores, Ahlsell will continue to have 24 physical stores with personal service.
"Our physical stores are an important part of our growth strategy at Ahlsell. When we convert some of our stores into self-service stores, it also allows us to truly develop our remaining stores across the country. We have big plans to enhance our stores with completely new layouts, new concepts, and an even broader product range," says Claudio Christensen.
Recently, Ahlsell has invested in the modernization and expansion of its flagship store in Aarhus, which has just inaugurated a new large VA department. At the same time, the first sod has been turned for a new large Ahlsell store in Risskov, also in Aarhus.
The affected Ahlsell stores are located in Hjørring, Brønderslev, Thisted, Lemvig, Haderslev, Slagelse, Næstved, Holbæk, Ringsted, Hillerød, and Ballerup, all of which will close for physical service after June 27, 2023. The new self-service stores are expected to open in early August.
Claudio Christensen, CEO country manager at Ahlsell Denmark, can be contacted through communication consultant Louise Høenhof Rasmussen: 22 75 30 49
June 20, 2023