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Fortunately for Amsterdam the major chain stores selling international
brands are located in two main streets and a shopping centre in the
suburbs. Otherwise, there are many smaller specialist stores and independent
retailers to be found along picturesque streets, selling anything from
Latin American effigies to expensive cigars. There are also some fantastic
markets which can be enjoyed for their atmosphere or because they offer
lots of bargains.
Traditionally, shops and markets are closed all day Sunday and Monday
mornings. Normal shopping hours are 09:00 or 10:00 to 18:00 (17:00 on
Saturday), although some are now beginning to stay open later in the
evenings. Most of the shops on Kalverstraat, one of the main shopping
streets, are now open on Sundays. There is late-night shopping on Thursdays,
when most shops in the city remain open until 21:00.
The main shopping areas are the semi- pedestrianised Leidsestraat between
the Leidseplein and Spui, (but watch out for the trams along here) and
the Kalverstraat and Nieuwendijk, leading from the Munt Tower via the
Dam to near Centraal Station. The big chains stores such as C&A and
Hennes and Mauritz can be found here. There are two large Dutch department
stores near the Munt Tower (V&D and Hema), and at the Dam (Bijenkorf
and Magna Plaza). There is also a large Albert Hein food supermarket
behind the Palace at the Dam, open until 22:00, even on Sundays.
The Jordaan and the 'negen straatjes' (nine streets) contain many fascinating
individual shops. You can find ethnic shops selling votive candles or
handmade glassware, antiquarian booksellers and specialist delicatessens.
It is worth exploring the varied Urechtestraat, off Rembrandtplein.
There's a boutique selling clothes made from hemp, an upmarket shoe
shop, a delicatessen selling oil and vinegar and a number of excellent
record and CD shops. Some of the most avant-garde furniture and interior
design shops in Amsterdam are located on the street, but you have to
order most of the objects that can be seen in the showroom. This interesting
street not only has some idiosyncratic and well-stocked specialist shops
but also a good variety of restaurants serving food from all round the
world. Try home brewed rice beer in the Tibetan restaurant or South
African ostrich meat in another eating-place nearby.
GIFTSThe Yellow House Museum Shop: For rather beautiful
gifts and souvenirs, visit the Museum Winkel Het Gele Huis in a pretty
street just off one of the grandest canals. This recently opened shop
has some intriguing things, mostly from museums around the Netherlands.
The glassware in the window is based on designs from the 14th to the
17th Century, and there are some handsome tiles painted with cats, based
on historical designs. Children will be curious about the old-fashioned
lead soldiers and wooden skeletons.
Wijde Heisteeg 9, on the corner of Herengracht.
Tel 020 623 7048
Open Monday to Saturday 11.00-19.00
Sunday 12.00-18.00
Van Gogh and Rijksmuseum Shop: You don't have to go into either
of the two museums to visit this modern, mainly glass building on the
Museumplein. Everything you could ever wish for with Van Gogh's paintings
on can be found here. From sunflower paperweights to mouse mats printed
with sketches of the famous artist's hand's, there are plenty of beautifully
decorated objects to buy as gifts. There are also lots of diaries and
books about the Dutch Golden Age, including books about Rembrandt, and
Vermeer fridge magnets.
The shop is open daily from 9.00 to 19.00. Postage stamps can also be
bought from behind the counter.
Take trams 1, 3, 5, 20 to Museumplein
Makings: This is an unusual shop which sells a combination of
old glassware and second-hand jugs and cupboards with handmade, rather
quaint kitchen and garden items. They also run courses on making jewellery
and decorating the home, so that at Christmas and Easter time, Dutch
families can learn how to make even their balconies look very festive.
Their shop is not in the centre, but it is worth a trip to see their
inspiring ideas for decorating any home with recycled paper and tin
or greenery.
Weissenbruchstraat 24, (on the corner of Harlemmermeerstraat).
Tel 020 617-3853
Tuesday to Friday 11.00-19.00
Saturday- 10.00-18.00 Also open on Sundays before Christmas
Tram 15, bus 247
Delft Tile Shops: These two shops sell Royal Delft porcelain
and traditional Dutch tiles. All the Dutch Delftware factories provide
them with their best products so nearly everything is painted blue and
white. However, not all the ceramics are based on traditional designs,
and they have some very nice greetings cards for sale. Not cheap, but
most items are very well made.
Open Mon to Sat 9.30 to 18.00
Heinen Delft Shop
Prinsengracht 440
Tel 020 627-8299
Spiegelgracht 13
Tel 020 421-8360
www.delftshop.nl
De Emaillekeizer: For some unusual gifts from Africa, visit
the "Enamel King" in the pipe. They are famous for producing the old-fashioned
blue and white enamelled letters and house signs that were found everywhere
in Amsterdam during the last century. (You can order whatever text you
require from them). They can be found in one of the side streets next
to the Albert Cuypmarkt, easily recognisable from the huge colourful,
hand-woven baskets and wooden carvings outside.
1e Sweelinckstraat 15
Open Tuesday to Sat 12.00 - 17.30
Tel 020 6641847
FLOWERS
Amstelveld Market: One of the best places to buy really cheap
potted plants is the tiny Amstelveld market. Specialist growers bring
their herbs and flowers straight from the nurseries, so this is also
a good place to ask for horticultural advice. Plants are incredibly
cheap here, but very good quality. In autumn you can find pots of chrysanthemums
and vigorous lavender. There are some nice cafes nearby and as this
weekly market is a lot quieter than in the centre of town, shopping
here can be very pleasant.
The Amstelveld Monday market is open from March to December from 8.30
to 14.00.
Take tram 4 to Keizersgracht.
Gerda's Flowers: Whether you want a tightly packed bunch of tulips
or a magnificent display of exotic blooms, entering this flower shop
is like going into an amazing designer showroom. Baskets of lilies are
stacked in beautiful floral arrangements on heavily laden shelves. Bouquets
can be made to order from a selection of exquisite stems on display.
(This is also a good place to photograph friends next to the densely
packed hydrangea or tall bay trees growing in pots on the pavement).
Gerda's Bloemen & Planten
Runstraat 16
Tel 020 624-2912
Take De Opstapper mini bus down Prinsengracht.
Rinus: One of the cheapest places to buy cut flowers in Amsterdam
is in a flower stall/covered shop near the Brouwerij Het Ij and eastern
Windmill. For more than 20 years they have been selling quality blooms
and can make some very pretty bouquets to order. Two huge bunches of
purple gladioli were only five euros when we were cycling past recently…
Cz Peterstraat/corner of Cruquiuskade
Tel 020 622-4635
Open Sundays as well as during the week.
Flower Market: The flower market on the Singel (between the top
of the Leidsestraat and the Munt Tower) is more expensive but has some
brightly coloured wooden tulips and rotating windmills to stick in plant
pots. Good for last minute presents and fridge magnets that look like
miniature Delft tiles.
Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 14, 16, 24, 25 to Konignsplein or Muntplein.
Cheese and other Dutch delicacies: Not everyone can stomach the
raw herring sold in street stalls, especially as you look like a seal
when you lower them into your mouth. However, the reason why the Dutch
are so tall is apparently due to the abundance of cows and, therefore,
the constant supply of dairy products. Holland is really a very flat
food factory but produces some very fine cheeses. Some are unique; such
as the carrot juice flavoured or clove studded versions. Many are as
good as any French or Italian varieties, especially the blue cheeses.
Forget the bland Gouda or Edam found in British supermarkets; this is
a country where cheese making is an art. Even the major supermarket
chains have 'oude kaas' (matured cheese) and some tasty goats milk varieties.
Try Albert Hein's 'Old Amsterdam' for a strong, distinctive taste.
Otherwise, pay a visit to one of the specialist shops below to find
extensive collections fit for any dinner party or as a special gift
for friends back home.
De Kaaskamer (The Cheese Room):The smell of cheese from this
specialist cheese shop lures both locals and tourists to this emporium
of dairy delights. Outside, there are enticing giant Parmesan rounds
ready for slicing, whilst inside, the whole shop is piled high with
unusual cheeses from all over the world. You will find little round
farmers cheeses flavoured with truffles, and even ones made with goats
milk and potatoes skins. This is an excellent place to buy gifts to
take home or perhaps something delicious for a picnic.
Runstraat 13
Open Monday 12.00 -- 18.00 Tuesday to Friday 9.00 -- 18.00 Saturday
9.00 -- 17.00 Sunday 12.00 -- 17.00
Trams 1, 3, 5 to Keizersgracht, then walk along the small streets.
Natuurwinkel: (Natural food shop) There are about eight branches
of this well-stocked health food shop in Amsterdam and some of them
are as big as supermarkets. Each has an incredibly wide range of produce
for sale. Not only will you find fresh organic fruit, vegetables and
products such as soya milk and fair trade chocolate, but also some rather
delicious specialist cheeses at the dairy counter. One of the main branches
near the Rijksmuseum, (which is also open on Sunday), stocks goats cheese
with coriander. This has a very unusual flavour and it's worth buying
a few slices to take back home. Other typical Dutch products you can
find here include 'stroopwaffels' (syrup waffles) and black liquorice.
The Dutch are partial to the salted variety (called "zoute drop") which
is a lot stronger than the mild, sugary sweets available elsewhere.
De Natuurwinkel
Weteringschans 133
Tel: 020-638 4083
Open from 12.00-17.00 Sundays and to 19.00 other days. www.denatuurwinkel.nl
(but this website is difficult to navigate around and is only available
in Dutch).
Other branches can be found in Van Woustraat, Amstelveenseweg, Harlemmerdijk
and near Dappermarkt.
Australian Home-made Chocolates:There are only two things you
can buy in the store: handmade chocolates and ice cream. However, there
always queues outside because both are utterly delicious. Most of the
chocolates have edible printed aboriginal drawings on, and they even
include a sublime organic selection. On hot summer's day, try their
sorbets: lemon, mango and other flavours. They also have wonderful ice
creams such as banana, choco chips, strawberry cheesecake and mocha
hazelnut.
www.australianhomemade.com
Branches: Spui 5
Leidsestraat 101
Villa Arena Boulevard 40
Nieuwendijk 154-60
Singel 437
Puccini Chocolates:The smell of homemade cocoa being used to
produce some of the most fantastic chocolate shapes in Europe entices
locals and tourists to this haven of sweet pleasure. In fact this is
the shop that will convince you that Dutch chocolate is actually better
than the specialist Belgian confectionary. All the truffles are fresh,
creamy smooth, and full of flavour. Try the lemongrass or raspberry
(framboos). While their selection isn't huge, each choice is meticulously
made with the finest natural ingredients and a 70% cacao content. Many
contain fine liquors like cognac, Grand Marnier or amaretto. Puccini
has two branches, and at the Staalstraat shop, you can see them make
the chocolates through a window. Here you can also enjoy a coffee and
some fabulous chocolate desserts in their cafe...
Staalstraat 17
Tel 020 626-5474
Singel 184
020 4278341
Apotheek Jacob Hooij (Old Apothecary): In the Nieuwmarkt district
you can find an ancient apothecary called Jacob Hooy. This fascinating
shop has been selling medicaments and remedies since 1743. Nowadays,
the shop offers medicinal herbs and various natural remedies. The staff
can help explain the history of the herbs and their uses to help you
find what you need. Have a look at the barrels and drawers whose contents
are labelled in Latin. The shop is also famous for its liquorice.
Kloveniersburgwal 10
Metro: Nieuwmarkt
MARKETS Albert Cuypmarkt: To see where Amsterdammers get
their daily shopping, take a tram to the busy, cosmopolitan food and
clothes market in the Albert Cuypstraat You can find cheap shoes, (from
€5) and handbags as well as large round, discount cheeses, flowers,
fruit and vegetables. Herbs and fresh fish here are particularly good.
However, keep an eye on your purses, particularly on busy Saturday afternoons.
Cafes along this street tend to be filled with working people and fewer
tourists than in the centre. They tend to be smoke-filled, but you can
get an 'uitsmijter', a typical Dutch breakfast dish consisting of layers
of white bread, cheese and ham.
The market is open Mon to Sat until about 16.00
Trams 4, 6, 10 and 16.
Nieuwmarkt and Noordermarkt (farmers markets): These two farmers
markets sell mainly organic produce and food brought in by local producers.
There are often apple juice samplings and some very tasty breads available.
The atmosphere is really friendly and there are always surprising fruit
and vegetables in the baskets underneath the awnings. You might find
purple carrots or Japanese fungi (which look like fine brown threads).
These are good places to find unusual delicatessen items to take home
but they are also nice places to wander through on a Saturday afternoon.
Saturdays from around 9.00- 17.00
For Nieuwmarkt take the Metro or walk from Centraal Station.
For Noordermarkt, take De Opstapper mini bus from Centraal Station or
the Muziektheater.
Dappermarkt: A bustling, crowded market to the east. You can
find lots of bargains here, from electric toothbrushes to huge ripe
watermelons. Open weekdays and Saturday's until around 16.00. Take trams
number 7 or 10 to Dapperstraat. Look after your purses here, as pickpockets
also frequent this area.
Ten Kate Market, Kinkerstraat: Kinkerstraat is a lively street
full of cheap clothing shops, Turkish cafes and bakeries and an excellent
African world music shop. There are branches of HEMA and Albert Hein
as well as the street market. Here you can get cheap clothes, vegetables,
and delicacies such as olives, feta cheese and salami on the delicatessen
stall.
Take trams 7 or 17 to Ten Kate Markt
Monday to Saturday 9.00 to 16.00.
BOOOKSHOPS
There are two large English-language bookshops in Amsterdam. You can
order books and find a good range of magazines and journals in both
of them.
Waterstones: A very well stocked branch of this mainly British
chain. On the first floor there are lots of arts and cookery book is
as well as a good children's section. Fiction is available on the ground
floor and the staff are friendly and helpful.
(However, as it is in the Netherlands, prices are about a third higher
than in Britain.)
www.waterstones.co.uk
Tel 020 68 3821
Trams 1,3,5 to Spui
The American Book Centre: This is a very well established bookshop
and centre for writing activities. The ABC Treehouse nearby runs writer's
groups and encourages performers to present their work to the general
public once a month at their Open Mike Event. Each floor has a different
section and an expert on whatever you are looking for.
Kalverstraat 185
Tel 020 625-5537
www.abc.nl
For details of the writing groups telephone 020 683-8862 and speak to
Jonette Stabbert or e-mail creajam@yahoo.com
Trams 9,14, and others to Muntplein
Intertaal: This is an excellent place to get Dutch language
course textbooks and education materials. They stock all the current
texts and will order anything else you require.
Tel 020 575-6756
www.intertaal.nl
Van Baerlestraat 76, near Museumplein
Trams 3, 5, 12, 20
DEPARTMENT STORES De Bijenkorf: De Bijenkorf is to Amsterdam
what Debenhams is to London. There's a good range of clothing - designer
and own-label plus children's wear, jewellery, cosmetics, shoes, accessories
and a good household goods department. There is a chic café to rest
your legs and a wonderful menagerie of furry creatures in the toy section.
The household linens department has some spectacular bargains during
the sales, as well as plenty of transparent, gauzy curtains that the
Dutch particularly seem to appreciate. It is worth making a trip in
December to see the Sinterklaas and Christmas displays, which are very
extravagant and popular with children.
De Bijenkorf Dam 1
Tel 020 621 8080
Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25 to Dam Square.
Open Monday 11.00-18.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9.30-18.00;
Thursday 9.30-21.00
Sunday 12.00-18.00.
Credit Cards accepted
Hema: A much loved, Dutch institution, (there was even an exhibition
of the history of the company in the Beurs van Berlage Museum in 2002).
Some things are as stylish as those in the Conran/Habitat shops but
they are as inexpensive as anything found in Woolworth's. Hema's kitchenware
is particularly good, with simple crockery and glassware always available.
Prices are low, but the quality is usually high: good buys include casual
clothes, baby clothing, bed linen, underwear, household items, stationery
and other accessories. They have seasonal offers, from garden furniture
in summer to chocolate alphabets in November. Hema also sells pastries,
bread, and a few delicatessen foods such as smoked eels and cheap wines.
The four main branches are listed here, but there are at least six others
in Amsterdam.
None of the shops take credit cards.
Kalvertoren, Singel 457/A1
Tel 020 422 8988
Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 20. Open Monday 11.00-19.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 9.30-19.00
Thursday 9.30-21.00
Sat 9.30-18.00
Sunday 12.00-18.00
Branches:
Ferdinand Bolstraat 93A (Closed Sundays), Tel 20 676 3222
Borgerstraaat 142, Tel 020 683 4511
Nieuwendijk 174-6, Tel 020 623 4176
Maison de Bonneterie: You'll find some of the more expensive
designer brands at this rather exclusive miniature department store.
It seems rather stiff and formal, but is worth walking through to catch
a glimpse of the ornate domed glass ceiling. The shop boasts that it
sells goods 'By Appointment to Her Majesty Queen Beatrix' but this seems
merely reflective of the unadventurous and rather conservative clothing.
There is a Ralph Lauren boutique within the store, but otherwise it
isn't that exciting.
Credit cards are accepted
Rokin 140-2, Tel 020 531 3400
Trams 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 14, 20, 24, 25.
Open Monday 13.00-17.30
Tuesday to Saturday 10.00-17.30
Thursday 10.00-21.00
Sunday 12.00-17.30
Metz & Co: Reminiscent of Heal's in London, Metz & Co is a good
place to shop for special gifts. Rather chic clothes, designer furniture,
glass and Liberty-style fabrics and scarves are all sold here. The top-floor
restaurant is popular for business lunches and has a stunning view of
the city. At Christmas, the shop is exquisitely decorated and looks
stunning.
Credit cards accepted.
Leidsestraat 34-6, Tel 020 520 7020
Trams 1, 2, 5, 20.
Open Monday 11.00-18.00, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9.30-18.00;
, Thursday 9.30am-9pm,
Sunday 12.00-17.00
They also have a branch at
Schiphol Airport, Tel 020 653 5060
Vroom & Dreesmann: V&D stands for good quality at reasonable
prices. You'll find an impressive array of toiletries, cosmetics, small
leather goods and watches, clothing and underwear for the whole family.
In the basement they have household goods, ranging from pure wool duvets,
bed linen and the Dutch favourite: perfumed candles. On the top floor
they sell suitcases, CDs and a few videotapes. The ground-floor bakery,
Le Marché, sells excellent bread, ready-made quiches and sandwiches,
with La Place restaurant offering a very wide range of lunchtime and
early evening dishes. Prices are a bit higher than in Hema but there
is a wider choice of own and brand name goods. There is also a travel
agency for cheap flights at the top of the building.
Kalverstraat 203, Tel 020 622 0171
Trams 4, 9, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25.
Open Monday 11.00 to 19.00, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 10.0 0-19.00,
Thursday 10.00-21.00
Saturday 10.0 0-18.00, Sunday 12.00-18.00.
Credit Cards are accepted here
There are also branches of V&D some other department stores in Amstelveen,
inside a large covered shopping centre. This is an ideal location for
January sales when the weather can be freezing.
Take tram 51 to Amstelveen Centrum.
That the Netherlands is one of the world's most densely populated countries
is perhaps most apparent on Saturday afternoons at the supermarket.
Thankfully, because Amsterdam is a city that stays up late, Saturday
mornings are a different story and are a good time to get out and get
the shopping. Otherwise, prepare to brave the very crowded aisles and
long queues at the cash registers.
A few tips: the customer must weigh most of the fruit and vegetables.
Put your produce on the scale, press the picture of the item, and press
the 'BON' button to get the receipt. If there are no pictures, look
at the name on the product, or ask a Dutch shopper what your vegetable
is called.
Buying food in supermarkets is usually straightforward. Bring your own
shopping bag, as these are not given out for free and buy milk in blue
cartons. The red cartons are usually buttermilk (karnemelk), which is
rather sour, but drunk by the gallon in Holland. This is better for
making scones than a lunchtime drink, but their daily consumption may
explain why the Dutch are so tall.
Beer bottles can be inserted into special machines, which whisk them
away on mini conveyer belts, and you receive your returnable deposit
refund in the form of a ticket. (So don't put the bottles which have
'statiegeld' written on them in the glass recycle containers at the
end of your street. You get a few cents if you return them to the shop).
Albert Heijn: This countrywide chain dominates the high street
as well as the smaller towns in the Netherlands. The chain seems to
have been catering to changing tastes and customer requirements recently.
They have increased their selection of organic products, and their green-labelled
own brand yoghurt is recommended as very smooth and mild. They are renowned
for having a decent selection of wines, but you can't get spirits, or
even the Dutch gin here. One massive branch of Albert Heijn, called
the 'Food Plaza', located behind Dam Square, can get very crowded. Try
and go in the early morning to avoid the queues. There are over 40 branches
of Heijn within Amsterdam (some of which are listed below), but the
extended hours at this branch are an exception. It should contain most
everything you need in terms of food and household goods, though prices
on some ranges are more expensive than at some local competitors.
Credit cards not accepted
Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 226
tel 020 421 8344
Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17, 20, 24, 25.
Open Monday to Saturday 8.00-22.00
Sunday 11.0 0-19.00
Branches:
Van Baerlestraat 33A (there is an excellent car park underneath this
store). Tel 020 662 0416
Haarlemmerdijk 1, Tel 020 625 6931
Kinkerstraat 89, Tel 020 618 0088
Koningsplein 4-6, Tel 020 624 5721
Nieuwmarkt 18, Tel 020 623 2461
Overtoom 454, Tel 020 618 3065
Vijzelstraat 113, Tel 020 625 9405
Dirk van den Broek: A cut price, rather basic grocery store.
There's less choice and less luxury than at Albert Heijn, but it's about
10% cheaper. They also have a separate shop selling cut-price alcohol
(Dirk III) including the famous jenever (Dutch gin) and advocaat.
Marie Heinekenplein 25
Tel 020 673 9393
Tram 16, 24, 25.
Open Monday to Friday 8.00 21.00
Saturday 8.00-20.00
Sunday 13.00-19.00
Credit cards are not accepted.
Branches:
Bilderdijkstraat 126, Tel 020 612 2658
2e Nassaustraat 23, Tel 020 686 0132
Wittenburgerstraat 18, Tel 020 620 0070
Hema: This is not the best place for daily food shopping, but
there are some chilled cabinets selling eels, salmon, creamy potato
salads and snacks for parties. Some rather unadventurous bread is also
on offer but don't go here for dairy products such as milk or eggs,
because they don't sell any.
Kalvertoren, Singel 457/A1, Tel 020 422 8988
Tram 1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 20
Open Monday 11.00-19.00, Tue, Wed, Fri; 9.30.00-19.00, Thursday 9.30-21.00;
Sat 9.30am-6pm; Sunday 12.00-18.00. Credit cards not accepted.
Homeopathie: This tiny, pretty store is full of lovely bathroom
products. They stock a wide range of essential oils and natural treatments
from Neal's Yard, Kiehl's and Weleda. If you have a penchant for concoctions
or vitamins come here for Celestial Seasonings teas, Solgar Vitamins
and bee pollen for ailments.
De Munt Vijzelstraat 1, tel 020 624 4533
Trams 4, 9, 14, 16, 20, 24, 25.
Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 9.30-18.00
Thursday 9.30- 21.00, Sunday 13.00-18.00
Credit Cards accepted.
Lush: You can tell when you get near to the delectable smelling
Lush, as their wonderful aromas waft down the street. Not only do they
sell their slabs of pungent, exotically perfumed soaps, (try the divine
Karma), but also wicked looking shower potions and fizzy bath bombs.
Teenagers might like to try the sparkling talcum 'body dust' or their
new perfume range. Even grown men tend to swoon with delight when they
smell the aluminium free deodorants. Apparently, they are strongly against
testing anything on animals, so you can now smell wonderful and not
feel a teeny bit guilty.
Lush BV, Kalverstraat 98, Tel 020 3306376
There is also a new branch in Leidsestraat
www.lush.co.uk
Women's Clothes: Dutch women over thirty tend to wear loose
fitting trousers with big pockets under layers of baggy, different length
shirts. This may not be as chic as the Parisians, but is incredibly
useful for cycling. (If you get too hot, just remove a layer of clothing
and put it in your bicycle pannier). Many of the smaller boutiques stock
typical Dutch women's clothing. These tend to have lots of white linen
in summer and short, padded raincoats in the winter.
Saffron: A newcomer to the city centre, selling simple clothes
for men and women made in India. Their summer collection included burgundy
silk sleeveless tops and cream linen trousers. Mid-price range, but
worth visiting if you like non-frilly separates. They also state that
their clothing is produced under 'fair trade' conditions, so you don't
need to worry about factory workers being exploited when buying things
from here.
Trousers from €60
Heilegeweg 49
CLUB WEARClubwear House: Some amazing clothes from around the
world, as well as from their own label, Wearhouse 2000. This is a great
place to pick up club information, flyers or pre-sale tickets. The staff
are enthusiastic clubbers so know the best places to go and. DJ tapes
are also for sale.
Herengracht 265, Tel 020 622 8766
Tram 1, 2, 5, 13, 17, 20. Open
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 12.00-18.00, Thursday 12.00-20.00
Monday and Sunday closed
Credit cards accepted
DESIGNER FASHIONCora Kemperman: The voluminous look is
very popular with tall Dutch women. It may not suit shorter types, but
there are some unusual shapes to be found in this designer store. The
staff are friendly and seem to make older women feel special and beautiful…so
it is tempting to go and just try things on to receive some nice compliments.
In colder weather you might appreciate the opportunity to drape yourself
in layer upon layer of her well-cut fabric. Cora is a famous Dutch designer
and her company is also a member of the Fair Wear Foundation, ensuring
that clothes are made under decent working conditions.
Cora Kemperman Leidsestraat 72, Phone: 020 625 1284
Tram 1, 2, 5
Open Monday and Sunday 12.00-18.00
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 10.00-18.00, Thursday 10.00- 21.00
Credit cards are accepted
Look Out: This is a women's clothing shop full of wearable delights
and exquisite, handmade accessories. Just when you think your desires
have been satiated, there is the men's shop is across the road, with
it's stunning autumn collection. They sell famous European designers
such as Ghost and Paul Smith. Most things are rather expensive but you
can find very imaginative clothes such as jackets with giant spots or
enormous parrots on the back.
The Women's shop is on Utrechtestraat 91 and the men's on Utrechtestraat
93s
Tel 020 625-5032 for both stores.
VINTAGE & SECOND-HAND FASHIONLady Day: This is your upmarket
second-hand clothes shop for women. They stock fashionable designs,
including beautifully tailored period suits and sportswear classics
(including swimming costumes from the '40s and '50s). Try on their period
wedge shoes, elegant hats and accessories to complete the collection.
Hartenstraat 9, Tel 020 623 5820
Trams 1, 2, 5, 20.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11.00-18.00
Thursday 11.00-21.00, Sunday 12.00-17.00
Credit cards are accepted.
Laura Dols: This shop is full of some very stylish period clothing,
most of it from the '40s and '50s. The emphasis is on women's clothing
(including some sophisticated dresses). There are also a few men's jackets
and suits.
Wolvenstraat 7
Tel 020 624 9066
Trams 1, 2, 5.
Open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 11.00-18.00
Thursday 11.00-21.00, Closed on Sundays
Credit cards are not accepted here
Zipper: This retro store has a very good selection of jeans,
cowboy shirts, '80s revival clothing, as well as some well loved 1970's
hipsters and flares. The rarity of the items means that things are rather
expensive.
Huidenstraat 7, Tel 020 623 7302
Trams 1, 2, 5.
Open Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat 11am-6pm; Thursday; 11am-9pm
Sunday 13.00-17.00
Sunday 13.00-17.00
Credit cards accepted
Branch:
Nieuwe Hoogstraat 8, Tel 020 627 0353.
Humana: For a less stylish, but much cheaper range, try the charity
shop chain Humana. Charity shops aren't as popular or widespread as
in Britain, but they still have a few bargains to offer. Apparently
they collect around 5 million kilos of clothing a year, so there is
bound to be something you like!
Middenweg 14 (Watergraafsmeer), Tel 020 693-2547
Gravenstraat 22, Tel 020 6233214
SECOND-HAND MARKETS AND SHOPSDe Tweede Ronde (Second Time
Round)
One business in the city stands out as being very good for bargains.
De 2de Ronde offers reasonable jobs to unemployed people, who collect
unwanted goods from people in Amsterdam and then sell them in huge warehouses.
If you're interested in 1970s furniture, unusual old electrical equipment
and Dutch pewter, this might be a good hunting ground. They also deliver
large items for a small fee.
Haarlemerweg 325 Tel 020 684-4277
Bus 227 to Westerpark.
Waterlooplein: There is a busy daily clothes and second-hand
market around the City Hall and Muziektheater. However, the clothes
tend to be for a younger crowd, as there are lots of psychedelic t-shirts,
cannabis leaf printed jackets and bright, tie-dyed floppy things. There
are a few second-hand shops selling retro clothing in the vicinity and
lots of dealers just pile their goods on the floor, even in the rain.
Take trams 9, 14, 51 to Waterlooplein
Bio-NatuurKelding: Harlemmerdijk 118 and 120, Tel 620-0743
Tram or bus 18 to Harlemmerplein
Awareness Winkel: Weteringschans 143, Tel 020 638-1059
Trams 6, 7, 10 to Heineken Brewery
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