The Hoogstraat in Rotterdam is one of the oldest streets in this port city. In fact, the Hoogstraat is as old as Rotterdam; it is the causeway along which the buildings were built. In the twentieth century, the street transformed into a lively shopping street, with large department stores.
Today, Hoogstraat remains a dynamic place in the heart of Rotterdam, ideal for a day of shopping. In this article we share some of the nicest shops on the street. Which one is your favourite?
At the beginning of the Hoogstraat, on the corner with the Korte Hoogstraat, is the iconic Peek & Cloppenburg. This store is an indispensable part of Rotterdam Centre. The spacious clothing department store offers a wide range of well-known brands, including Ralph Lauren, Marc Cain and Tommy Hilfiger.
Cross the street and you reach the C&A. A store that for years was located a few metres away on Beursplein, but nowadays the store is located in the new Air Rotterdam building, also known as the old V&D building. After more than 70 years, it was time for the store to move. This iconic store has now opened an impressive flagship store of three thousand square metres, a true asset to the city.
Walk further into the Hoogstraat and you will soon come to the Jamin. Here, metres high bins, filled with colourful and sweet treats, await you. In this Jamin branch you will find the highest candy wall in the Netherlands!
Choose from all kinds of flavours and every colour of the rainbow. In addition, at this Jamin you will also find the most exclusive candy, chips and other delicacies that you cannot easily find in the supermarket. Cheetos, macarons, Pringles, soft drinks and lollipops decorate the store, meaning Jamin has something for everyone.
This electronics store, which was previously located on Oostplein, recently moved to Hoogstraat. The Coolblue store is located in the former corner building of Perry Sport and has no fewer than two floors.
In the new shop you can get advice and repairs, such as those of your smartphone, tablets and Apple accessories. You can also view and test products, which you can then order online and, if you wish, pick up in the store. Otherwise it will be delivered to your home in no time.
Last year, hearing specialist Schoonenberg opened a World of Hearing store at Hoogstraat 187. The experience centre offers the latest services and techniques in the field of hearing: from hearing solutions to hearing protection.
The store also has a 'shop-in-shop' from audio specialist Sennheiser. Here you will find various products from the audio specialist: from earbuds to headphones.
Further down Hoogstraat you will find Søstrene Grene, an fun shop full of charming items, furniture and accessories. Here you will discover practical items with cheerful prints and warm, earthy colours. From stylish home accessories and creative hobby supplies, such as paint and craft materials, to handy office items such as colourful notepads, pencils, pens and sharpeners—Søstrene Grene offers something for everyone.
We walk further up the Hoogstraat, towards the Binnenrotte, and arrive at CASA, a nice interior design store where you will find affordable furniture and accessories. CASA also offers plenty of useful items for your garden, such as folding chairs, garden tables and parasols. It is also the ideal place to find nice gifts, such as vases, scented candles and gift cards.
Do you love reading? Then you should definitely visit Boekhandel de Slegte. In this store they sell both second-hand and new books in all genres.
You will also find various curiosities in the store; from manuscripts to letters, from old maps to photos, from medals to vinyl & audio. Be sure to take a look!
The Hoogstraat continues for a lot longer! We walk across the Binnenrotte and cross the street at the traffic lights on the Mariniersweg, and then we continue walking on the Hoogstraat. Here you will find Gerstaecker Harolds, a household name for creatives. Whether you are looking for paint, canvases, pencils, easels or other artistic supplies, at Gerstaecker Harolds you will find everything you need for your hobby or work.
And then our last stop on the Hoogstraat. Of course we shouldn't skip WOEI! This sneaker and clothing store is a great example of a gem that has become an established name in the city. Every Rotterdam sneaker enthusiast will certainly have set foot here.
Owner Woei sells the coolest and exclusive sneakers in his shoe store of the same name. So exclusive that some copies have a long queue at the door with eager sneaker fans.
This was only a small selection from the Hoogstraat. Be sure to visit and discover even more great places for yourself!