Wow. This Albert Heijn is an XL grocery and huge. My friends who live in Leiden shop here…read moreregularly, and as an American, I was curious to see how it compares to stores in the US.
You can shop one of two ways. Grab a handheld scanner when you walk in and use a self-checkout, or you can place items in your basket and go through the line the old fashioned way. Our friend used the scanner, but we weren't that adventurous and scanned at the register. No matter which method you use, they have employees to help.
As far as groceries go, you can find everything you need here, from groceries to drinks to household items such as paper towels and toilet paper. Even if you buy meat and cheese at the farmer's market, you'll still need a supermarket for some items, and this one is the perfect choice.
Albert Heijn has ready made sushi, a bakery, a deli, and so much more. They have ready-made salads and prepared foods in the deli, and I bought a Couscous Abrikoos meal. Since my friends were having fried food and I wanted to give my body something lighter and healthier, I microwaved it for dinner, and it was delicious.
We returned to Albert Heijn on our last night in town to stock up on candy and other goodies. The store has a huge selection, and I was glad to not have to track down candy at the airport.
If you have a car, parking is free in the garage. You take an escalator "ramp" to the store, and the carts "lock" into the escalator so they don't fall. The Dutch really have shopping figured out!