CARLISLE, Pa. — Ahold USA will accelerate the rollout of improvements aimed at making its stores more attractive to ­shoppers.

Ahold USA will accelerate the rollout of improvements aimed at making its stores more attractive to ­shoppers.

"We decided to roll out a program to improve our customer proposition by investing in the quality and merchandising of our fresh assortment, associate training and targeted price reductions in all our [U.S.] divisions," says Dick Boer, the company’s president and chief executive officer.

The grocer says it tested the program and was pleased with the results. The lower prices and other changes should be evident in half of its stores by year’s end.

Ahold USA is the American arm of Netherlands-based Royal Ahold. The U.S. subsidiary operates 775 stores, mostly under the Stop & Shop and Giant Food banners. Customers in selected markets are served by its Peapod online ordering and delivery service, which is also slated for an upgrade, Boer says.

The new investment was announced as the company reported first quarter financial results showing that operating income declined more than expected.