Seeking to create “smarter” stores for the three million customers per week visiting its supermarkets, Ahold USA has brought WiFi to 780 stores, while increasing network bandwidth to move data more quickly.
Storewide WiFi connectivity has been instrumental for tailoring offers and promotions to mobile app subscribers as well as empowering the SCAN IT! Mobile feature, which allows customers to use smartphones to scan items for self-service checkout. Demonstrating the growing popularity of WiFi availability, in December 2016 these Ahold stores saw an overall 23% spike in the number of users over the previous month.
Additionally, associates at the Stop & Shop New England, Stop & Shop New York Metro area, Giant Landover and Giant Carlisle banner stores can use the enhanced connectivity to transmit data related to inventory needs, medical prescriptions and POS transactions.
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Ahold USA used Verizon Enterprise Solutions to upgrade the store networks. Additional operational enhancements include equipping each location with Verizon’s business-grade VoIP phone solution. Verizon’s wireless network capabilities also provide backup connectivity in the event of power or network outages.
