My thoughts on Albert Heijn (Californian Perspective)

American expat living in Amstelveen, Netherlands. Mother to one sweet baby boy. Registered Nurse, passionate about climate change and health disparities. My spouse, who is a Dutch citizen, convinced me to move here after a devastating wildfire season in California. My husband has always spoken of a magical childhood growing up here and we wanted to give our son the same.

[@corneliusantonius3108]

Albert Heijn has 35,9% of the dutch market. McDonalds in Europe has to follow EU food standards. So no growth hormone beef as in the USA or chlorinated chicken (or washed eggs). And a load of other stuff in food is forbidden in the EU. The Netherlands is the second exporter of agricultiral products in the world after the USA.

[@ceesvanderschoot9799]

Nee maar wij hebben wel E nummers in ons eten wat in de USA verboden is om aan het eten toe te voegen , dus nu niet te trots zijn naamgenoot 👍😂

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@ceesvanderschoot9799 "Een E-nummer is een code voor een stof die binnen de Europese Unie (EU) toegelaten is als additief in voedingsmiddelen die bedoeld zijn voor menselijke consumptie. Internationaal gezien kent de EU de strengste toelatingsnormen van alle geïndustrialiseerde landen en daarmee dus ook het kleinste aantal toegestane additieven."

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@ceesvanderschoot9799 E948 : Zuurstof

[@ceesvanderschoot9799]

@@corneliusantonius3108 zolang mijn kinderen nog steeds die blauwe kleur stof in ijs krijgen waar ze helemaal hyper van worden geloof ik geen zak van wat je hier zegt 👍 en ja dat het hulpstoffen zijn snapt mijn kont ook nog wel maar wij hebben dus wel stoffen erin die in de USA verboden zijn .

[@corneliusantonius3108]

@@ceesvanderschoot9799 E100 (i)Curcumine (ii) Kurkuma

[@MichaelPattiruhu]

Albert Heijn (being from Zaandam) is very dominant in the Amsterdam area. They are not as dominant in other parts of the Netherlands.

[@SandsOfArrakis]

You'd be surprised. In the city where I live in (Steenwijk) we have a grand total of 6 supermarkets. 2 of them are AH's.

[@reprobert]

Wat een rare conclusie. Je kan je kont niet keren of er is wel een AH. Alleen in Groningen stad kan ik er al wel minimaal 12 opnoemen, laat staan alle AH to Go's. In het noorden zitten ze ook overal.

[@dutchgamer842]

@@reprobert er zijn steden waar Jumbo dominant is

[@Markwjansen]

I don't think Albert Heijn has anywhere near a monopoly. I live in a town of about 14.000 people and we have 4 different brands of supermarket spread through the town.

[@AnnekeOosterink]

Jumbo is about as big as AH. I read a while ago that Jumbo was slightly bigger at that point. There are also a million other brands of supermarkets. There are not just many AHs in a lot of places, there are a lot of supermarkets period. Certain supermarkets are also region specific. Like, I have never seen a Dirk, or Boni or Hoogvliet, though google tells me they exist. We've got Jumbo, AH, Coop, Deka, Aldi, Lidl, and one single Nettorama. So there might be a lot of locations for one specific name, but they might all be located in two provinces. Also, in the US Walmart has WAY more of a monopoly than any Dutch supermarket. They have a market share of almost 70%. Double the market share of AH at 35%.

[@TheTekknician]

Poiesz, up north :) Friesland, Groningen, Drenthe

[@frankteunissen6118]

If AH didn’t restock their shelves regularly, particularly the fresh stuff, but stocked once a day like you say stores do in the US, you’d be looking at empty shelves before mid-day.

[@mrnobody043]

We don't "dress up" for McDonalds, we just like to put on decent clothes when we leave our homes. And we don't pretend McDonalds to be a fancy restaurant (maybe we are just fancy in the way we dress ourselves compared to the average American). And i bet we don't love it "as much" as many Americans.. for that you need to compare serving sizes and the quantity ordered per person. In America the quantity per person is a LOT higher than it is here, we go for a quick bite, in America they go for the whole menu ( ok ok, i'm exaggerating a bit ). oh, and in the city where i live (Maastricht) the McDonalds' are filled with tourists or people from Germany/Belgium/France who are shopping here. same goes for other major cities.

[@lindaraterink6451]

Eventhough it is fast food. Quality wize, because of our strickt food regulation it is actualy better then the American Mac. Still it is a bad food for you. Only to eat in moderation.

[@diashaliz]

Zo eens met je, alsof wij e.o.a dom volk zijn die ons netjes verkleden om naar de mac te gaan! Vreemde gedachte houdt deze dame erop na!

[@dutchyjhome]

The Food-Chain (McD) you are referring to is just another Snackbar as we say in the Netherlands or even a Cafetaria. Marketing-wise they are pushing us to refer to them in advertisement as being a restaurant, but we all know it is not. Trust me, we know very well the difference between a Cafetaria for junk food (the absolute low end of the Horeca) and a restaurant for a complete and sophisticated diner. But yes, we tend to have some more attention to how we dress, especially at special days like eastern, compared to Americans in general. The supermarket you are referring to indeed is the biggest supermarket chain there is in The Netherlands, but many others are there: Jumbo, Dirk van der Broek, Hoogvliet, Aldi, Lidl, Spar, Coop, Plus, Boni, Deen, and on-line Supermarket only: Pic Nic.

[@Dija-says-freePalestine]

When I was still a student I took part in this international student workgroup and every year we had American students coming over for a week for masterclasses etc but we also had to "entertain" them and show them around the city and stuff. Really fun! But I never forget that some of them said that everybody at the university was so dressed up (including hair and make up) because in their case they go to class in a hoodie and sweatpants. Their words not mine. I think they were from Virginia but I am not quite sure because it was in 2008. I also overheard them talking about how skinny everyome was when we were at the AH to get them some "strippenkaart" (this was before OV) chipkaart) for the tram. So yeah we like to put on decent clothes!

[@willemiendebruin8559]

Deze dame denkt dat ze het door heeft hier, maar zit er goed naast

[@vincenzodigrande2070]

Where I live everybody goes to Jumbo, and at the city centre it would be Albert Heijn and Dirk. There are a lot more options, but it just depends a bit on where you live. Your boy is so cute, I melted...😍

[@dublindutch6346]

yep, i only go to Jumbo, Aldi and Lidl. Lidl is my absolute favorite :) I find AH a bit expensive, together with SPAR.

[@I.Toverheks]

vomar, jumbo and lidl where I live. (and deen until recently when ah, vomar and jumbo took them over) the local Albert heijn is always empty.. for being too expensive.

[@onescreentwomovies254]

Next to that 5bucks is the Hema, upstairs is their coffee shop offering tables with a nice view.

[@edd5657]

Albert Heijn started in Belgium a couple of years ago and it has quickly become my favorite supermarket. Prices are very reasonable and I love how vegan products really standout because of their green price labels. Also, the staff is always super friendly!

[@cyclingchantal]

I agree on the vegan products. AH is way ahead of their competitors. Lidl is getting better, but the green price labels are so much clearer.

[@boebrow]

I helped prop up the first two dozen or so stores in Belgium. There was a Dutch team from different stores in the southern region who helped initially stock the empty shelves, train the new employees, and help them out with some logistical and practical stuff. It was loads of fun!

[@boebrow]

Ex AH employee here, the self-checkout is somewhat random. I don't know the fine details but when I worked there I was told there is a close to 100% chance you get selected the first 10 or so times you use it. After that, it's based on different metrics. So if you always pass the 'random' check you will get checked less regularly and if you fail a bunch of times you get checked more often. There is also a 'randomizer' that is based on the number of items you buy, so if you for example buy very little you might get checked just to make sure you don't just scan 1 item and leave with a loaded cart... All of this is supposedly based on your 'bonuskaart' but there should also be truly random checks that just go off based on what checkout counter you use. My record is getting checked 3 or 4 times in 1 week

[@DataStorm1]

I also noted that if I go to a different one I have a higher chance on being checked. But where I regularly go, I get maybe checked once in 2 months or so.

[@autohmae]

2:56 the Netherlands is one of the higher countries on the list of drinking the most coffee per person. The US is 25, the Netherlands is 5. So yeah, ... AH group also owns a number of chains internationally, including the US, in large part as part of a merger/acquisition of Delhaize. None of them have a big presence in California.

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

Why pay 5 bucks for a coffee at Starbucks when you can get unlimited coffee at AH for free?

[@doorbalala9755]

There’s free coffee at ah?!

[@PropagandasaurusRex]

@@doorbalala9755 Usually, yes. Often in the center aisle with a little bench.

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Love your update and comments! Great kid! Nice vlog👍

[@pjotrh]

I remember when mcdonalds invaded the Netherlands in the late 80s early 90s. It was new, and as a kid it was the ultimate treat. I think a lot of the current popularity has to do with the very wide openinghours they have and it is definitely one of the few chains that has drive throughs.

[@andreslucero81]

I get “randomly” selected every time, too! 😂 AH reminds me of H-E-B back in Texas, where it’s the dominant regional chain that is seemingly in every neighborhood. I had two AH stores within walking distance when I lived in Amsterdam, but now that I’m in Utrecht the closest major chain is a Jumbo. (The AH is an extra 30-second walk away.)

[@ShipSpottingNederland]

Ik ga morgenvroeg naar de Action, opbergbox kopen voor alle rommel in huis, zijn goed en goedkoop! ;)

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

Agree, Action can have acceptable stuff. It's just more about inspecting and using your common sense when selecting items. I can recommend the screws from Fisher, the Hearig aid batteries from Rayovac, many branded items are much cheaper.

[@LiquidDIO]

​@@ewoutbuhler5217I loved going to Action stores in Belgium. Their batteries are way better than even buying from CoolBlue or MediaMarkt.

[@themadsamplist]

I can do groceries in 9 different supermarkets. All different chains. And then I'm not even talking about all the Turkisch, Persian, Polish, etc. supermarkets in my neighborhood. There is a lot of choise.

[@Eitner100]

As you wrote Aktion sells the cheapest trash. And yes, AH had a almost monopoly like status. But Jumbo is their biggest competitor and has the same level. If ever in Groningen, you will find the biggest Jumbo in The Netherlands. I live in Germany and sometimes I buy my things over there. Great choices, exotic products, fresh fish, and so on.

[@smaranda235]

I am also convinced there is an algorithm for the AH checking system, it cannot be a coincidence. I think they scan when you are new to the store or when you buy things you would not ordinarily buy. I also looked at their IT team, they have some pretty experienced data scientists there.

[@BobWitlox]

Albert Heijn is one of the bigger supermarket brands, but no monopoly. Jumbo is really big too. Then there's Plus, Lidl, Aldi, Coop, Spar and many more.

[@dutchgamer842]

All the ones that you mentioned are national, the rest is regional

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

I love your vlogs, I really do! Today however I was a bit disappointed by some seemingly hastened conclusions. As many noted, AH is NOT the only chain, WallMarts Monopoly in the US is much higher and no, we do not dress up for Ronald, we dress up because we go out of the house. Not everybody but when I visited the occasional McD in the US, I saw most in their PJs and sweetpants/tights an worse. No judgement here, it's all OK to me. I admire the total lack of "giving a rats a#%" on the street, however I guess this is an Urban thing. I don't think you'd get away with that in Smalltown, USA...

[@peterencobie]

I myself like the Action very much, it kinda depends on what you need. Paintbrushes and paint rollers are very great, i even know some professional painters that restock on rollers and brushes at the Action. They have also a lot of goods that are from known brands. But you kind have to learn what is right and what is garbage. For instance, the universal car wiper blades and car lightbulbs are crap. In general, it depends on what you need, but they have a lot of good stuff for a very good price.

[@_PJW_]

Yup, totally agree. Just be picky. Like I went to buy painting gloves. €5.-- at the local DIY. Same gloves €0.72 at the Action. A lot of items for sale at the Action cost at least double that next door.

[@TheEvertw]

Albert Heijn does not have a monopoly. It is for high-end groceries. Try the Lidl or Aldi for low budget, or Jumbo, Boni or Spar for medium budget shopping. Your son is too cute!

[@instabram]

Plus a host of regional supermarket chains like Jan Linders in the South East ( in that particular region more prevalent as AH or Jumbo ) The 2 biggest dutch ones are AH and Jumbo , LIDL and ALDi feature more the “cost conscious” whatever that means

[@85Johanf]

Don't forget Dirk!

[@mischake]

Omg ellen, finally I meet someone who gets it! The Action is a store where you buy stuff that breaks yesterday! Never ever go there

[@dutchgamer842]

The also sell items like Axe that gets new packages and other stores aren't allowed to sell anymore. Only buy those items at Action

[@SerialBagmakers]

Action: do you know there are garbage bags for the ‘green’ compostable trash. So the bags itself will compost very easy. Perhaps you bought those. And yes, action is our family dollar :-)

[@diashaliz]

I've been traveling through the states for years. And there is indeed a dominant supermarket chain there, called Walmart..

[@jayandreas1131]

Walmart gets subsidized: their employees are on food stamps.

[@burgienl]

Do you use the AG bonus card? Then it possible that they check you less often if they never find problems with your groceries.

[@Grasnek]

I think it's exactly this!

[@pienclemens7913]

i also think that action isn't the best store but you can buy nice craft things and things for school

[@MarCel-op4fu]

Hey Ellen, did you know that today is second easterday, so not much stores are open before noon. I think we are the only country that celebrate a second easterday, just like second Christmasday 😄 Greetz

[@sharksbite]

For me, McD has a lot of nostalgia tied to it. Not late night grub, but family outings when it got popular when I was a small child. I avoid it in the states, but don't deny a visit to a location in Europe. The quality of food is considerably higher.

[@rconach]

Expat Ellen, I’m American and do not use Starbucks (not a coffee drinker either) and haven’t eaten at McDonald’s in 40 years. I avoid all fast food. Home prepared non processed is my preference. Glad to hear you like shopping at AH. My son, who lives and works in Rotterdam, does not like that supermarket.

[@alexandersomers21]

Hi Ellen, could it be that you bought Compostable trash bags? These bags are supposed to go into a plastic container and/or in a compost container ...???👍

[@mschopm-]

I'm baffled by the complete lack of understanding how to run a Dutch supermarket nowadays. Dutch supermarkets are highly, highly competitive on prices on their own branded products that are used in de comparative studies. Some supermarkets give it a name Laagblijvers (plus), prijsfavorieten (AH), other supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl don't advertise on these products that often anymore, because their pricelevel is exactly the same. They seek their added value in nonfood, while the more mainstrain supermarktes try to show their added value on other levels (Jumbo's laagste prijs garantie, biologisch at Plus, more luxery items and vegetarian products at AH etc). The underlying greatest problem for the whole supermarket branche in the Netherlands is the low margin in combination with the extremely high investements that are necessary for the technological developments to make them future proof. Electronic shelf labeling, selfscan, completely robotised warehouses, online delivery, fast, small online delivery etcetc. The amount of new concepts, products and introductions are endless. The biggest problem is that small supermarket chains lack the needed amount of money to invest in making their supermarkets futureproof. Recent examples are Coop bought by Plus and Deen bought by AH. And there are a lot to come for sure in the next years. In the stores itself they focus on keeping a very smart logistics plan, low turnover cost, low labor costs and working highly efficient in combination with a decent servicelevel which fits their brand. Delivery costs by truck are very high and the amount of trucks and their chauffeurs are limited since Corona. Every store has their own deliveryscheme + they have to fill shelves between a short timegab. Busy stores are restocked multiple times indeed, normal stores one time a day.

[@harryraam9566]

The main difference between supermarkets like lidl/aldi and albertheijn/jumbo is the articles they have in store. Albert Heijn got 50.000 different articles(cost a lot of money to transport etc.) in the store and stores like aldi only got 5000 different articles. Whenever u dont buy A type brands it is cheaper to go to the aldi, anyway, i live close to Germany so i usually go there where it's cheaper, mostly the cosmetics are really cheap in comparison with Nederland.

[@harryraam9566]

Supermarket Deen isnt bought by the Albertheijn its splitt up between a couple of stores, here for example the Deen changed into a DekaMarkt, Vomar is my favorite store, Geen idee wat je met deze info moet😜. Fijne zomer toegewenst.

[@ConradvanderMeer]

The AH selfscan check is not completely random. If you have had an error on a previous check you will be checked more often. Not sure but looks like if you have a small amount (

[@accidentalgenius8252]

This would only apply if you use your phone. I personally never do this.

[@ConradvanderMeer]

@@accidentalgenius8252 also applies to the handscanners, both are lniked to your bonuskaart

[@accidentalgenius8252]

@@ConradvanderMeer i also don’t use the handscanner. I scan at the device itself. I

[@ConradvanderMeer]

@@accidentalgenius8252 in that case checks can only be completely random.

[@bastiaan4129]

Ah, so I should buy more products at AH. When I use self checkout it's usually for just a few items, so I always get checked which in turn defeats the whole purpose of self checkout.

[@cyclingchantal]

Albert Heijn hasn't a monopoly. Where I live we have 2 Albert Heijn stores, 2 Jumbo stores, 2 Lidl stores, 1 MCD, 1 Plus supermarket and 1 Aldi. That's a lot of supermarkets.

[@hummel3479]

Hallo Ellen. AH does absolutely not have a monopoly. It is not allowed. You pay a bit more because of the luxuary outlay of their stores. They want you to feel good. Regarding the restocking all day. It is a strategy all supermarkets do. They want to slow you down so you spent more time in their stores so you might buy more. About Action, give them another chance. It is a good concept and they also have good cheap stuff.

[@alicia.3740]

If you see the brand 'Conimex' in the store, that is a Dutch brand. It looks oriental but the name means Conserven (Canned) Import Export. Conimex started as a trading company in Baarn. The company was founded in 1932 by the notary's son Ton Schouten. Conimex is a Unilever brand name for originally only ingredients for the preparation of Oriental dishes and meal packages.

[@minkhs]

you are so funny - great vlog :) i used to live in Amstelveen so i know AH as well

[@janalberts7073]

Albert Heijn belongs to the Dutch-Belgian Alhold Delhaize group with appr. 1.000 supermarkets in NL and BE but they also have more then 1,000 markets in the USA ! Mainly in the New England area and south-east (the Carolinas, Georgia etc.) The have about 350,000 people at work.

[@51bikerboy]

Ahold Delhaize is a Dutch multinational!

[@bartdekoning6047]

Nice vlog. Yeah, many Dutch (sometimes secretely) like McDonald's, so they are usually packed. But many do as if they hate it, some of them truly do (tbh, most probably don't haha). Keep in mind that The Netherlands has almost 3 times fewer McDonald's restaurants per capita compared to the US, so it makes sense that on a per restaurant basis you see more traffic, as they serve more people per restaurant. Also, the Dutch fast food restaurant market is probably not as developed as the US one,, so we don't have a lot of other large players unlike in the US. McDonald's is by far the largest, and outside of local snack bars, national chains (e.g. FEBO), and other international fast food chains (e.g. KFC and Burger King) are a much smaller piece of the pie than in the US. So not only are there fewer restaurants per capita, these restaurants likely also serve a much larger share of the total fast food demand in The Netherlands as they have way fewer choices. Although, many also just order McDonald's these days. And in terms of dressing up for going to the McDonald's. Like you said earlier, the Dutch usually tend to dress for anything when they go out. So that also includes going to the McDonal's. So being nicely dressed doesn't carry a lot of meaning when going out here, it is generally expected/accepted to do that. Also, for the drunk food, I don't think McDonald's is generally considered one. We have our own drunk food from the local snack bars that fit this role much better, most notably the Kapsalon. Don't look up how bad it is for your health, just eat it, haha. Lastly, the Albert Heijn is not even close to a monopoly. They are the most well known and largest chain. But there are a lot of other large chains that can go toe to toe with AH nationally. There are plenty of Jumbo's, Lidl's, Plus/COOP, Aldi's, Dirk's that have chains all over the country. And these days also online supermarkets, like Picnic and Crisp. And of course local stores and markets also play a significant role. And organic (and thus more expensive) chains like EkoPlaza. Generally, AH is on the more expensive side. Aldi is on the cheaper side, for the large national chains.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

You are wrong about the market share here. Even though it might be true that McDonald's is the largest company with the most restaurants under one brand, local businesses have a huge market share here. Where Mc Donalds outside the big city centers is mostly located along the highways and other busy traffic routes, the majority of people will go to a local snackbar within walking distance of their home, instead of taking their car to go to a McDonald's. If I would go for fast food here, living in a small town, there are at least a dozen local snackbars closer to my home than any McDonald's. And I also think you are underestimating the market share of other large chains. Burger King, KFC, Domino's etc. have all grown a lot while McDonald's didn't.

[@ageoflove1980]

Oh im sure the self checkout thing is not fully random. Maybe in some cases it is, like one every 15 mins or something. But also when I buy wine, i seemed to get checked more, which does make sense because they might want to check if im an adult. I believe they also have other red flags like when take an unusual long time to scan relatively few products... things like that.

AH is of course in Amstelveen. They are a big organization, but also the most expensive supermarket. Of course they do well in a village where only middle class and higher incomes are.

[@royklein9206]

i love this so much: I'm at the winkelcentrum right now 😂 And offcourse hating on aktion is always good :)

[@knalliebar]

We have the largest diversity in grocery store's of the whole of Europe I believe. Our groceries were (don't know if that's still the case) the cheapest of Europe because of all the competition. Go to France and you just find a few big chains

[@williamdrijver4141]

Definitely algorithm. Try putting 12 of the same items in your cart (1+1 free action). Very high chance of getting selected 🙂

[@jpdj2715]

AFAIK the self-checkout at AH is coupled to your customer loyalty card. I guess if you buy the same things, every time you shop there, then the algorithm may become more relaxed on you - but that would be more of a profiling relative to your own shopping pattern. There's one important thing you ought to have learned in the NL already - we do not take ourselves too seriously, so if a check happens, whatever. I shop elsewhere and when it happens to me, go to staff, "hey, you, check me, will you!" At that supermarket the check is randomized too as their inspection app tells them line by line what to look for and scan that, so it does not take run the entire shopping cart. AH dominate the market in the NL, true, and there is little competition. If you have a registered business you can go to a wholesaler that also serves e.g. restaurants and you'll pay about the same, just on average the quality of produce is (even) better and in some cases for some produce by a lot. Some prices become disappointing though when you travel abroad. I remember staying in the expensive right bank district in Paris around the corner from the Louvre and paying less for, say, avocados that were twice as big and zero chance of buying one that was past best-before - just at some independent greengrocer. Or a white wine with a very good Dutch review from South America that probably no French person would buy from a wine merchant on and expensive avenue in Paris, however was on display in the Parisian shop window for less than half the AH price. It's simple - they are a business with shareholders and might as well be called M&DIOP (*) like any other business. (*) Money & Dough Is Our Purpose

[@ivo215]

I agree, when you deviate from your pattern, you'll get selected more often. So I guess too, when you're new. And when you scan something, but then put it back and delete it from the scanner, is a sure way to get selected for a check.

[@ewoutbuhler5217]

I don't really think the checks are directed, in such way that they are first looking on their screen and look for that product in your cart. The point is to pick some random items and check if they have been scanned, so the reason they look at their screen is to get confirmation and guidance.

[@SuperPatrick71]

Self check-out: it is random, first few visits you have a higher % change to be selected. If you have a poor record (faults at selection) then you also get selected more.

[@wimschiphorst8541]

Aboout the higher prices. Indead AH is in the higher categorie. But as you mentioned. You like the AH for several raisons. Like much other Dutch people do. And for that reason you can't blame AH for having mostly higher prices. If you not like that. Go to the so called "boxes sliders" like Aldi or Lidl. Or to other somewhat cheaper ones like Dirk and Jumbo. But the feeling in those shops is different.

[@dutchgamer842]

AH and Jumbo are about same price range. Dirk isn't a store that every city/town/village has.

[@JulesStoop]

MacDonalds is more like a guilty pleasure for families with (young) kids.

[@prankster1590]

McDonalds is popular because of the secret yellow sauce with green thingies in it. You can only get it from McDonalds in the netherlands. You also have two dutch brands that have a similar sauce. But is taste's different. For the reason that mcdonalds is associated with the USA, they have named these products: American fries sauce from the brand remia and american madsauce which is also the brand. But this sauce does not exist outside of the netherlands

[@ceesvanderschoot9799]

Not sure we’re u have done your shopping , AH is expensive , we got Albert Hein , Jumbo , Poeiz, Aldi , Lidl and plus within 500m from my house and I life in a smal city with 17.000 people .

[@cecilecorpuz5735]

I'm also an American, Cali boy now Living here in Holland now for a total of 18 years and some times I'll shop at Albert Heijn XL here in EINDHOVEN but I hate it, the way that the store is set up it's like your playing PACK MAN in the store while trying to do your shopping so I tend to stay away and shop elsewhere, and many seems to be in a big rush as well, at times I'll say slow down to some, are you trying to get to a fire. Things that I miss when shopping in the States with the big markets such as Ralphs the cashier will handle you groceries with care not just slam it down like shoving everything down a shoot and use that divider board like a paddle slamming your groceries to one side or the other if your not fast enough when trying to bag your goods. I'll say HEY! take it easy with that thing of course they'll just keep on with what their doing. Also in the states they will also bag your groceries as well, if not a bagger then the cashier will be bagging your groceries for you, if you have a lot and some times only a half cart of groceries if it's not so busy then the same cashier will wheel the cart to your car and even load it for you as well, if not then the bagger will do it for you. My wife is Dutch and she misses these services as well. Super markets in the U.S. will stock their shelves after MID NIGHT the isles there are wide enough to roll pallets onto the floor and all the isles will mostly be plugged up but there is still room enough to roll a shopping cart down the isles at the same time it's like a 2 minute drill for them to stock the shelve a Ralphs store will be fully stocked by a crew of 2 or 3, they will attack the shelves, they will be wearing knee pads, back braces wrist bands and aprons I will only know this because I would do my shopping after MID NIGHT and one of these persons was a customer of mine. Ralphs used to be open 24/7 but they are now only open until 2:00, as for good dairy products, Whole foods is the place to go, Here in Holland there are some stores coming out as like Whole foods but are not as well stocked, maybe some day in the future but then again if you haven't had Babes chocolate milk then you truly missed out, it's super creamy and goes down very nicely, in fact if I'm correct it's the only milk that comes in a GLASS BOTTLE. One store we miss badly is TRADER JOES with their employees wearing HAWAIIAN shirts. eating at MICKY DEES! Sorry to say, I pretty much hate it, yes I'm an AMERICAN but even when living in the U.S. I hated it then as well, some of my friends would say, lets go to MICKY DEES! Then I'll say NOPE! I'm not eating card board. STAR BUCKS, I don't do STAR BUCKY! So to say I'm not one of those Americans. Shopping at Action I will only go there for 3 things, packing tape, padded envelopes and zip lock bags and that's it, The rest of their offerings da not for me, on the most part I do my best when trying to stay away from buying Chinese made stuff, the WORLD has enough Chinese made junk it just adds to the over loading of the piles of cheap stuff ending up at the dump. I'm sorry to say you are passionate about the Climate So you should dump shopping at Action. California was one of the 1st players when dealing with the Climate thing, CALIFORNIA had the smog police, they they looked for people with smoky cars, trash fires and so on, Roughly 10 years ago super markets stopped using plastic bags in CALIFORNIA, Ralphs as like many other super markets were using recycle cardboard for food containers wooden forks, spoons and knives also implemented about 10 years ago. California was the 1st to implement for cars for smogging, smog checks this was 1974, cars in California was considered as the One State car due to smogging and California also produced their own gasoline, produced gas from other States are not allowed to be sold in California...On the other hand HOLLAND super markets will still use plastic bags some are starting to use recycled cardboard food containers along with wooden forks. And EUROPE as a whole are not smogging their cars. Yeah I know electric cars are here but then again Hydrogen is even cleaner. Avocado deal, you got that one turned around, it's the California Avocados that are the more expensive ones, simply because they are grown in California I will also know this because near by where I lived last in Santa Barbara, if you remember anything at all about the land slide that killed several people in La Conchita, above there is an AVOCADO grower and they think the water run off from the hill was the culprit for the land slide. California AVOCADOS are must tastier than the others, lucky for me near my shop I got CALIFORNIAN AVOCADOS for FREE, A HUGE AVOCADO Tree was growing over the fence and everything that was on my side of the fence was fair game so to say when living in Santa Barbara I never paid for an AVOCADO, also along some hiking trails there is SB there was AVOCADO trees busting at the seems with AVOCADOS! I'll be going back to CALI for many of these reasons, and of course for the California MOJO! Just my long 2 cents worth MAHALO!

[@MartijnHover]

I have never in my life eaten at a McDonald's. I don't think I am the only Dutch person who can say that. 🙂

[@mariadebake5483]

Me neither

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

I have "eaten" at McDonald's but the last time fortunately has been many years ago. It's never my choice. When I go to McDonald's it's usually when I'm with others and they want to go to McDonald's.

[@I.Toverheks]

when my children were young we went about 4-6 times per year. nowadays. 2-3 times a year the eldest moved out. the youngest is 13 and doesn't really care for Macdonald's. whenever we eat fries or hamburgers, (about once per 2-3 months) we prefer a local kwalitaria.😎 about the clothes. we don't dress up for Macdonald's.. but we also don't dress down. 😉

[@clifffan3]

I cant remember when I was there for a very long time

[@Ronnet]

2:00 dressing up for McDonald's? Nobody does that. Then again we don't go out in sweatpants and slippers either. So compared to that image, you're right. Also, fastfood is definitely popular among some groups in Dutch society and health is going down Although it hasn't reached american levels yet. I would say it's good that people make fun of it because it's not behavior we should encourage. One important way to keep our healthcare system affordable is if everyone does all they can to avoid high costs.

[@remischmitt9308]

First point is: the computer does not recognize you; it recognizes the card you use. The basis of the algorithm that is used to determine which customer gets checked is based on "total random" but with adaptations. They are based on statistical analysis of when to get a reasonable chance of catching the thieves while not unnecessary checking 'good' customers. They adapt the program with the carrot and stick principle: if u have been checked and everything was OK it remembers that u showed 'good behaviour' that time (like a + on your score card). If u get more +'s it 'gets more convinced' that u are an honest customer and you will be checked less often. If u get caught cheating (they can't determine whether that was an accident (u forgot to scan or didn't pay attention) or whether u did it on purpose), u get a - on your score card (in the computer). If u get a - you will be checked again one of the next times. If u keep getting minuses that means either are a dishonest customer or a customer with 'mental' problems (memory, understanding it,...) so they will keep checking you. If you start shopping there, they have no knowledge of you so they do some intenser random checks the first shopping times to start up building your scorecard. Also if you lose your card and get a new one the program resets. They also use the card to build a customer profile. They are not allowed (EU law of privacy) to connect the card to you personally but just that the customer that uses card 123456 shows this type of shopping behaviour. Even when you use your e-phone instead of a card they are not allowed to use your personal information.

[@RH-ro3sg]

It's possible to find some good stuff (for the money, at least) in the 'action'. But you have to know exactly what to buy there and what not, or you might end up with cr*p, indeed. If you don't exactly know what you're getting and just want to trust you're getting good quality, you're better off in other stores. I'm not ashamed to admit I like to eat in McDonalds occasionally. (Usually about once per three months- once per half year or so, though I haven't been there for 2 years during covid). Sometimes I'm in the mood for their kind of fastfood, and I don't think there's anything wrong with that - as long as I don't make an habit of it by going every week or so. I've never ever seen any Dutchman 'dress up' for it (that I can recall), though that might be due to different cultural perceptions about what 'dressing up' means in the first place. As for those checks- no, they are not completely random. As far as I know, there are different groups. For example, if you have been caught before with an unscanned item (which can also happen unintentionally, so in most cases they won't treat you as a thief outright) they might move you up to a group that's checked more often for a time. Or if you have been in the store for a very long time and only have bought a few items, that might be deemed suspect and hence increase the odds you are checked. I don't know the precise rules, they probably wouldn't want us to know those anyway:)

[@remischmitt9308]

The computer can't know how long u have been in the shop. But maybe the staff can change the chance of getting checked hen they suspect u of shoplifting.

[@RH-ro3sg]

@@remischmitt9308 When you enter the shop, you 'check in' with your customer card in order to get the system to release one of the handheld scanners. These handheld scanners are located outside the non-reversible entrance gates that lead to the area where articles are for sale, so you have to do this before you start shopping. You scan the card again at the end, after which the computer shows the bill and gives options for you to pay the bill. The computer could then compute the time between checking in and checking out. At least, that's how it works in the particular shop I visit most.

[@remischmitt9308]

@@RH-ro3sg Yes is u start with a scanner. But you don't need to check in with your card to get a scanner. U can just enter; take your groceries and scan them yourself at the end (with your card). That is also a version of self-scanning.

[@jpdj2715]

AH are constantly restocking as part of their business model. The explanation is simple. When the section for a product in a shelf does not look like it is super full, consumers are inclined to not buy that item. When everything is filled to the brim they buy more on impulse.

[@gijzje]

correct explained, my son works as a shelf filler, when the goods are not in the markets warehouse they also mirror the goods, that is the put them from back tot front so it looks the shelves are full

[@yvkon]

Oh dear...no AH does not have a monopoly. In the small town I live in we have an AH, Lidl, Jumbo and Plus. I never go to AH to be honest. Most of my groceries I buy at Lidl. Their produce is the best compared to the other supermarkets imo. But, as I live in a rural region I also buy produce and such from the farmers themselves. Or from a shop selling local products (landwinkel). These are often found near a farm, just outside of town. Just take a turn through the polder and you will see carts or vending machines with everything from flowers to eggs to potatoes and all kinds of veggies and fruit.

[@reprobert]

You will always see a Lidl, Aldi, or Jumbo. But for every Lidl or Aldi you have 3 or 4 Albert Heijns. You will not see that in small villages, where you always see different super markets, but it comes clearly visible when you're visiting larger villages or cities. Then you will see a AH on every corner. That explains that they have with ease the biggest market share in the Netherlands.

[@AlbertZonneveld]

You are probably using the Albert Heijn card for discount. Therefore they can predict you behaviour better and you get less checks after a while. If people do not use an Albert Heijn customer card or have a new customer card they will get checked more often.

[@RogierYou]

There are other options like Jumbo, Aldi and last but not least the weekly what you call “Farmers Markets” unlike in the US the places are lower….

[@stephenvanwijk9669]

I count by heart 8 major supermarket chains in The Netherlands.

[@Jaimedevos]

Sometimes people dress up for the theater or the movies, but they end up eating at McDonald's beforehand. Rarely do people dress up for McDonald's itself.

[@hunchbackaudio]

Here in Amersfoort, 6 supermarkets close by, non of them is an AH.

[@brozius]

Yes, there is a algorithm, when you are a new customer you get checked, when you buy something that you usually do not buy then you get checked, when you buy more then you usually do then you get checked.

[@spicynijkamp2149]

It's not quite true. for alcohol 100% true.

[@janalberts7073]

Scanning your products and have a control at the check out is really at random there is no algoritme. Sometimes I did not have a check for weeks and sometimes 5 x in a row.

[@I.Toverheks]

when there are weird pauses in your scanning (because you forgot to weigh your veggies and need to do that.. or you're in a fight with your bags.. or someone talks to you... ..or simply try to steal. the computer will put a check on you .. or so I noticed.

[@DataStorm1]

Not a monopoly... in the city where I live we have: AH, Lidl, Jumbo, Hoogvliet, Spar, Plus, Dirk van den Broek, Spar, Aldi, and a bunch of them multiple times as well (bout 7 AH's, 6 Jumbo's, 2 aldi's and 3 Lidl's I think). And this isn't really a big city.

[@Lilrom2003]

But US McDonalds do not have McKroket yet! Have you tried?

[@KajiRider1997]

Dutch fastfood snackbars are better than mcdonalds by a landslide or 5. I'd much rather get a patatje pinda with a mexicano and berenklauw than a mac with sloppy sticks or in my mom's a case the odd case of the shrinking fishburger. Above that local burger joints like the arc in Delft, and above that Turkish food joints which have lots of good food for relatively cheap that isn't only good but also frequently includes lots of greens. And above that is Indo and Surinaams and above those is home cooking. Mcdonalds is bottom tier for me. I'll only visit if I'm desperate. And i haven't been desperate in 2 decades

[@jeaninevanlente3520]

I can absolutely understand you where upset about the bus incident. Many dutch people are extremely anal about following the rules. They are so focused on proper procedure, that there is no room for anything else. I do recognize it, as I used to be like that. The Canadian culture taught me there is another option, much mot pleasant for yourself and the targeted person. Don't take it too personal, he was just having a bad day. I'm sorry you saw this not so flattering side of the Dutch 😉

[@angelavm84]

I think there is a certain type of person who goes to MacDonalds to 'eat' there. In my experience, it's either youth or the more 'poor' segment of society. I think the majority of Dutch ppl know the difference between real food and that trash;-) I for one rather each real 'patat' & wouldn't want to be found dead in a MacDonalds;-) I totally agree with you on Action, but again, a certain segment loves it because it gives the illusion that you can buy a lot for less. Supermarkets try to find their own identity. Albert Heijn goes for fresh/quality & shopping experience, Lidl goes for cheaper with less window dressing, Aldi is just cheap and no shopping experience at all and Spar is usually in areas where a usual supermarket isn't viable (like small villages) or in the middle of city centers and is more expensive etc. I think Jumbo is trying to encroach on AH's target group the most. I usually use 2 different supermarkets. I like AH for certain products (for example it has a large array of vegetarian products), but Lidl has good veggies and fruit for a much more reasonable price. You just need to discover which place sells which product for you;-)

[@RealConstructor]

I don’t know how you can say ‘in my experience’ if you don’t want to be found dead there. You seem to be alive. So I hope you made a joke, otherwise you sound very stuck-up and arrogant. You see all kinds of people at McDonals. People are maybe dressed up because they’re going out or have been going out and go by for quick bite. Whole sports club teams go and eat there if they went out playing in a far away place and aren’t back home in time for dinner. Families celebrate there little ones birthdays or have kids parties there. People coming home from holidays abroad eat there. Elder people that go there for a coffee and a cookie or apple pie. You see all kinds of people of all classes eat there. Even vegetarians come to eat there a veggie burger or a salad. Even elitists that don’t want to be found dead there, sneak secretly and with sunglasses on through the drive-thru lane at a McDonalds far away from home.

[@angelavm84]

@@RealConstructor You make a lot of assumptions, m8. No need to be so aggressive. I think places like MacDonalds are a blight on society for more than one reason. I see MacDonalds waste in the forest from ppl who get take-away, eat it in the car and throw it out of the window, everyday! It also causes health problems, due the cheap price/bad quality, for ppl who don't have enough resources to really eat out & use it as such. It also makes a city street look horrid compared to an old-fashioned Dutch eatery etc. etc. However, I never said anything bad about the people who go there, that is your assumption. In general, people do not go there for a night out or lunch. It's fast-food aka junk-food. For all visitors you mentioned: it's usually a matter of convenience, not traveling to go there. Children don't have a choice, do they? And just like youth; they like crap;-) It's part of being young! I love my students and if they want to eat there, which happens on field-trips, it's fine. As for: 'I wouldn't want to be found dead there"; it's not literal, but an expression aka English idiom. You have your opinion and I have mine, but calling ppl names just because their opinion doesn't match yours is no way to have a discussion. Now, shall we leave the toxicity behind and enjoy our new country woman's videos? Have a good life.

[@RealConstructor]

@@angelavm84 You see a lot of things that aren’t there. Calling my reaction aggressive and at the same time accusing me of making assumptions proves you didn’t read it thoroughly. And furthermore: Cans, paper bags and plastic chip trays from local snackbars are also littering everywhere. They also sell junkfood. So no difference here. Not saying anything bad about the people visiting a Mc Donalds? Quote from your reaction: a certain type of person, or: the more ‘poor’ segment of society. Those are qualifications with a bad undertone and denigrating at the same time. You start your reaction with, I think. That’s an assumption. Kettle and black comes to mind.

[@H1SCOTTY]

Guess you were in a other point in life when you were going to the Mac Donald’s, kids will love it for their gifts but I’m visiting once every three years (?) So not everyone is a huge fan and I’m only visiting when my nephews want to go or on the way home when friends insist on it. Can’t say that people dress up for it but my parents best “restaurant“ is a “cafeteria” (?) / diner and they would go dressed casual chic. AH does have a huge part of the market, they are at the high end, that’s why I don’t use them but Dirk or Aldi / Lidl. They just have much smaller stores “to go “, and that’s almost a other market. But in my Dirk they are also always stocking up on supplies, however when they are changing the discount stuff it’s really a whole other ballgame. Guess you’re showing more alarming behavior when you’re searching though the whole store, now you’ve got the app and your own routine and you’re out of there. AH is the first shop to let their own costumes to get their groceries on their own in a shopping kart.

[@DVLTuber]

Maybe in Amstelveen but Dutch people don't consider McDonalds as a real 'restaurant'

[@ronaldderooij1774]

No company is allowed to have a monopoly in the EU. For mergers the EU Commission needs to give permission. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't sometimes they give permission with some preconditions (like selling off some parts to avoid monopoly). My son works at Albert Heijn. Hard work, but they pay a bit better than other supermarkets. But he only restocks and leads restocking teams. So, I asked him a while ago if the checks were random. And according to him, they were (apart from alcohol, of course you always be checked for age). Anything else would be against Dutch law (discriminitation is forbidden).

[@hendman4083]

That is not entirely true. If a company achieves a monopoly by (fairly) outperforming their competitors, there is nothing the EU can do about it. Only when such a company abuses its market power measures will be taken.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

@@hendman4083 Fair enough. I thought otherwise. I think the EU Commission must judge any take-over above a certain threshold value. But it CAN interfere in any company if it judges to have a monopoly by for example sell parts off. But I am not a specialist, so I could indeed be wrong. In that case, thanks for the correction.

[@hendman4083]

@@ronaldderooij1774 You are right on both counts, but the EU will not act because a company has a monopoly, but they will act on abuse of market power, which either limits possible competition, or violates consumer rights.

[@ronaldderooij1774]

@@hendman4083 Yes, I assumed that every monopolist abuses market position. I was not even aware of me making that assumption! 🙂

[@michaelhu9947]

I believe McDonalds the brand is bigger(in popularity and name) outside The States than in The States. You have Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Wendy's, Popeye's and so on.

[@adpermentier3416]

Niet alleen AH,maar ook: Jumbo,Lidl,Aldi,Plus,Coop,Poiesz,Dirk,Hoogvliet,Jan Linders etc.

[@craftyclaira]

It may be busy but generally Europeans don't eat fast food very often compared to Americans. They eat at home far more often than most Americans.

[@anne-liekeberloo9237]

I work at albert heijn, the random selections at self checkout are really random. When you are checking out for the first time in a new store, the system recognizes that and than you automatically get selected. Other than that its completely random

[@anne-liekeberloo9237]

@@tomvan9348 I think that also depends on the store you're visiting tho... Employees get a training in greeting costumers and explaining the deal of self checkout

[@mschopm-]

Anne-lieke, thats not completely true. New customers have indeed a first service moment. After that its less random than you think. Making faults means that you have a higher chance to be selected the next time(s). But this also works the other way around. If you make no mistakes, you will be checked less often. In general you can say that about 10% of all clients at de selfscan are checked. Furthermore the system has an algorithm in which certain products or product groups are considered in a higher risk at making faults. By example products that need to be weighted like apples, broccoli etc. Also clients make a lot of mistakes by scanning certain types of bread. At least there are far more ways to be more efficient in checking clients in AH stores. Bottemline is: make no mistakes so you wont get checked more than 10% of the times you visit the store. And by the way, purchasing alcohol always means a quick visual check on your age. Below 25 years you always get checked by showing your date of birth on your identity card.

[@mschopm-]

@@tomvan9348 the employees can't tell you why you are selected, because they cant see why. They only get a notification that the cliënt at desk x must be checked. Sometimes they should check x-amount of products. The employees are trained and advised to scan different products. Expensive products like meat, weighted products or products that are hidden under a large quantity of other products. Employee makes thát decision, not the system on its own.

[@spicynijkamp2149]

@@tomvan9348 Sorry tom I don't want a long explanation what I already know.

[@spicynijkamp2149]

@@tomvan9348 Sorry tom I don't want a long explanation what I already know.

[@eddys.3524]

Your son is definitely cute !! About shopping, no, AH has the biggest marketsegment but has no monopoly, although in the Netherlands it kind of is the high segment retailer. In my neigbourhood there are 4 super-markets: AH, Hoogvliet, Lidl an Dirk van den Broek, all in walking distance. And the McDonalds... you couldn't get me there not even at gun-point. Crappy quality and way too expensive. I absolutely hate it!

[@dutchgamer842]

AH and Jumbo dominate the Dutch market and are about the same price range, Jumbo has the trick, to just offer items cheaper than its competitors if it's the exact same item and it has to be within certain miles of the Jumbo or it is just as expensive as AH. Store brands at Jumbo aren't that cheap and mostly they have different packages of the real brand so that they don't have to offer it cheaper than the AH.

[@nvr6859]

Albert Heijn in monopoly position?? I live in a town with a pop. of 22.000 and Albert Heijn has the smallest store here. We have a much bigger Jumbo, Lidl and a huge Hoogvliet here. So a lot to choose from and Albert Heijn is nog the best choice to be honest.

[@ivo215]

Albert Heijn is a favorite, but they don't have a monopoly. There are a number of other chains to go to. Hoogvliet, Jumbo, Dirk van den Broek, Spar, Aldi, Lidl, Boni, and there still are some independant supermarkets too. Or Turkish or Polish supermarkts. Trust me, nobody has ever dressed up for going to McDonalds. I like McD too, but I've stopped going. I stopped because it's always dirty, everything us sticky, the floor, the tables ... And it's always crowded. At the start of the pandemic it really rubbed me the wrong way, how crowded and filthy it was inside. I know, Americans use the drive through. But why would I eat in my car if I can eat at a table? I don't get Starbucks. I can get coffee (free) at work, I have a coffee maker at home, I don't feel any appeal towards Starbucks.

[@camillanonbinarylegend]

Yeajj missed you

[@ExpatEllen]

Lol hey ❤️ 👋🏻 I feel this way when my favorite youtubers don’t post… it’s almost like they become characters in a movie in your head or something 😂

[@camillanonbinarylegend]

Right?! Oh well you do you and just take your time don't worry (; you're not obligated to do anything!

[@d3al3rplays68]

Action you should only shop for things like stuff for school for your child, the rest is Alie Express quality

[@Goregreet]

We dress up for literally anything I dress up to walk my dog

[@TheEvertw]

We don't make fun of McDonalds, it is an excellent place to eat with small kids. But best to be enjoyed with moderation.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

I live closer to a Jumbo supermarket, but whenever I get the chance, I always rather go to Albert Heijn, I just don’t know really why, lol, I guess it is the Starbucks-effect.

[@armandovanhaaren9823]

The markt is really cheap but you have to go when it just started and not when it closes

[@aleichem]

? at the market in the late afternoon one can even get stuff for free.

[@armandovanhaaren9823]

@@aleichem yes but it won't last long because of all the people squeezing it so you need to eat it within days of buying it

[@peli71]

Totally agree on the Action stores. For them the only thing they sell is Chinese garbage. By the way buy Komo garbage bags (the dark gray ones in the yellow sack)

[@renekuipers4563]

Albert Hein have many supermarked in the usa .

[@nimwey7701]

Starbucks has the most gross coffee there is, eeew And Albert Heijn is more expensive then for excample Jumbo or Dirk or Lidl, and all have great food

[@harrybruijs2614]

Every chain is as expensive or cheap as the other. If you buy AH marks or AH basis they are as cheap as every other one. Cheapest is to shop with all of them and look for the lowest price for the same products and offers.

[@johnveerkamp1501]

HE HAS YOU EYES. !

[@vikingking1]

I think it's random only when There are not that much people in In line want to keep the employers busy

[@natalieb6956]

I don't think we love McDonalds more than American, nor that we dress up for it. I think children love it, parents love it because it's easy for the children. They know what they want, they know how it will taste, it's a little party for them, you know it's child friendly, there's a playground so children don't get fuzzy as much. And most people who go there I think are children and their parents that have a day out somewhere and want to please their children. They ask what they want to eat and they say McDonalds or the parents tell them they go to McDonalds because they know they will love it. That explains dressing up part as well. Because they either have a day out and end up in McDonalds or they have night out and start with McDonalds. Or maybe you think dressing up is not having a sweatpants on to McDonalds. But that's how normal it is for Americans that you go there in my opinion, because if you go in sweatpants to McDonalds you probably do it a lot. I personally don't like McDonalds at all and if you ask people around you i think most grown ups say the same thing. It's uninspiring, not nurtering, not fullfilling, not doing any good for a human body and i think it's obviously not a restaurant. I think the only people in the Netherlands that do think like that are maybe some teenagers. But I think that's changing as well. And the shame part with you guys i think it's more because all around you see the effects that it has on someone's body and society because for so many it's just lots of high calorie, supersized but also cheap and conveniant. It's everywhere. Here it's not everywhere and most McDonalds are either in the city centre or around the Highways. So people from little towns don't see much McDonalds here so for them it can be a treat i guess. While in America in little towns there's also a McDonalds and people go in sweatpants there. And about the monopoly part. I don't think you're right bout that either. But besides that I've been to America multiple times (in multiple areas) and the thing that I was always surprised about was the lack of supermarkets there. And yeah there were multiple choices but still we have multiple choices as well and we have them at every corner. I think in the big cities you can come across the AH, Eko Plaza (my fave), Jumbo, Lidl, Deen in the same street or around the corner. You don't even have to have a car to go to all the supermarkets if you want to you can just walk by them. And mostly on the way there are multiple bakeries, a market, a green grocery (fruit / vegetables) shop, cheeses and nut shops etc etc. So yeah AH is one of the biggest supermarkets here together with Jumbo i guess but they dont have a monopoly position anymore i think.

[@johnatkins2665]

I'm seriously beginning to question your judgement Ellen, if you think Starbucks has nice coffee. 😁 Tried it a couple of times but is still too much like american weak, watery, coffee. And there are plenty of privately owned independant cafes and coffee houses where you can get much better excellent tasting coffee. Soooo much better. And we really should be supporting these independant businesses !

[@jsb7975]

Dress up for McDONALD'S ? that really is not the case. (They're in The Netherlands since the sixties or so) 🌹

[@xXTheoLinuxXx]

Recorded in Amstelveen and that should be covered for whole of the Netherlands? Well step out that 'randstad' area. I know plenty of places where they have a lidl or aldi but no albert heijn :) Oh but I do hate the action too, it is like a cheap chinese online service had some stores :) Ali Express :P

[@HaKi1950]

Supermarkets: have you never seen Jumbo, Lidl, Aldi and others??

[@rolandboerhof9391]

The algorithm is alcohol 75%, random 25%

[@Dutchbelg3]

Honey, when the pandemic shutted down shops and opened up again a huge crowd was waiting outside the Action for it to open up.. Taste varies.. budget varies... There are also so many Walmarts in the US ... and all products are chinese quality ;-) The self check out selects only sketchy blonde Californians with Salmon salads ;-)

[@dadasese5225]

We don’t dress up for McDonald’s haha 😂 we just dress nice 😊