USA: Ahold opens Bfresh in Boston

Retail firm Ahold has opened the doors to Bfresh, the firm’s new fresh-focused store concept, in Allston, Boston, USA.

According to the company, the new store represents “a complete departure from traditional brick-and-mortar grocery stores”. Although similar in concept to Everything Fresh – a store that the company opened in Philadelphia in 2013 – Bfresh is three times larger at 10,000 sq ft and is said to be a ‘learning lab’ with a concept that has been more fully formed, according to Suzzi Robinson, spokeswoman for Ahold’s Fresh Formats.

Ms Robinson also noted that: “Fresh Formats is a new Ahold division, and wholly separate from the rest of the company”, which differentiates the store. One of Bfresh’s main differences is a food preparation area – The Little Kitchen – where shoppers can observe their food being prepared. The menu is said to change daily.

Regarding location, Ms Robinson added: “The diversity of Boston and the immediate neighbourhood was a great combination – from students to working professionals and families, to various ethnicities and palates – to learn about great ideas from foodies of all backgrounds. Allston has a tremendous food culture”.

The company is reportedly already working on a second opening of the same format.

Source: Supermarket News