Ahlsell Denmark has chosen to prioritize two major contractor stores in Aarhus as part of the company's ambitious goal to become a leader in the Danish market. This involves the Sanistål store in Aabyhøj, which, after extensive modernization, has become an Ahlsell store with a new layout and an expanded range, as well as a completely new store in Risskov, which will replace the current store in the district. The new store will open its doors on April 2.
- Since we took over Sanistål, we have been focused on a strategy to become a leader in the Danish market, and Aarhus plays a very special role in this. Aarhus is the right place to focus, as the city is undergoing rapid development and we have a good grip on the customers. We will elevate our stores in Aarhus to a whole new level, and we will test completely new concepts before they are rolled out nationwide, says Sales Director Peter von der Hude, who is responsible for Ahlsell Denmark's stores.
Ahlsell Denmark is part of the Swedish group Ahlsell Group, which is the largest distributor of tools, plumbing supplies, and electrical articles for industry and construction in the Nordic region. This ownership means that the 24 contractor stores throughout Denmark will receive thousands of new items on their shelves, in part because Ahlsell's own branded products will become part of the range. This summer, an Ahlsell store will open in Vallensbæk with the largest selection in Denmark, and the group is also focusing heavily on Odense and Aalborg. However, all stores in the country will be designed to make it easier to find products, and Ahlsell aims to improve the shopping experience by creating a greater connection between shopping in physical stores and online.
- We have a wide range of tools from Ironside, which we have had great success with in Norway and Sweden. These are quality products that are slightly cheaper than some of the brands that customers have known for many years, but we also have a broad selection of other brands, says Peter von der Hude.
Aarhus stores lead the way
Ahlsell's growth plan includes a number of initiatives to attract even more customers to shop in stores and online, with the Aarhus stores playing a central role. For example, Ahlsell will roll out a 24/7 concept that allows customers to shop around the clock in the stores. This simply requires Ahlsell's app, which can be used to open the store and scan the items customers need.
- We have chosen to test the concept in Aarhus during the spring before we later roll it out across the country. It is extremely convenient for customers that they can serve themselves after normal closing hours if they need an item and cannot wait for the store to open, says Peter von der Hude and continues:
- There is no doubt that the businesses that understand how to bridge the physical stores and the digital universe will win the competition for customers in the future, and we want to be at the forefront of that. We look forward to providing our customers in Aarhus with greater flexibility, and we hope to gain valuable experiences that can be used across the country.
Ahlsell expects significant growth
Ahlsell Denmark is firmly aiming for further growth in the coming years. This growth is expected to occur through the acquisition of companies and increased sales in the 24 contractor stores as well as the two refrigeration stores in Denmark. Furthermore, Ahlsell Denmark operates 11 self-service stores.
Ahlsell Denmark is part of the Swedish group Ahlsell Group, which has a revenue of approximately 50 billion SEK, nearly 8,000 employees, and 300 contractor stores in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.
- There is no doubt that we reap some benefits from being part of a large group that has solid experience in both physical and online trade. This will be beneficial for customers, and initially, it will especially be our loyal customers in Aarhus who will benefit from our initiatives, says Peter von der Hude.