8

Gr8acht

Elandsgracht-Gr8cht

You know the kind of store where you wander past, you, stop, walk back feeling unexplicably intrigued and just go in to explore? Right, well, new addition Gr8cht is exactly this kind of shop and that alone makes it a wonderful addition to the Elandsgracht. It opened for business in April 2012, when entrepreneur Jos decided on the location here. The things on display make you happy just by looking at them, so presumably even happier by buying them. Which is precisely how Jos, owner of the place, decides her inventory: she bases her decision on what to sell on what she likes. And it does not take an expensive marketing guru to state that it’s a lot easier -and more fun- to sell things that you are excited about. The products she sells range from clothing, scented candles and soap to sturdy yet elegant dining tables and delicate interior decorations. Another lovely thing about this shop – you can spend a little or a lot, depending on your taste and budget.

contact

Elandsgracht 8

1016 TV

+3120 6257717

www.gr8acht.nl

Gr8acht
38

HP Horlogerie

Elandsgracht-HP Horlogerie

HP Horlogerie is one of the true jewels on the Elandsgracht. Especially for the connoisseurs and fans of beautiful watches, who know what they’re after and are aware of how hard to find some watches can be. Leave it to founder and owner Henk to find such rarities. Back in 1990, having already spent several years plying his trade selling his goods at markets right here in Amsterdam, Henk decided to set up a shop in antique furniture. As the space at Elandsgracht 38 became available, Henk didn’t need to think twice. His business did well, but even so, after the better part of a decade, Henk performed an experiment by putting a rare and beautiful watch in the display window. It sold within days. He repeated this several times and then decided to focus on watches exclusively. Another decade on and his reputation – and therefore his business- is flourishing. He is a welcome presence on both internet for a and watch fairs around Europe. His excellent service and range of watches make him a favourite among many returning customers. The shop window and the shop itself are a sight to behold. Come witness for yourself, whether you can barely afford the small dial on a Rolex, or intend to purchase a Breitling from the early 20th century, it never hurts to look.

contact

Elandsgracht 38

1016 TW

+3120 6225993

www.hp-horlogerie.nl

HP Horlogerie
43

H.J. van de Kerkhof

Elandsgracht-HJ Van de Kerkhof

This blink-and-you’ll-miss-it shop has a rather contrasting reputation. The specialist bar none in decorative elements ranging from borders and trimmings,  through to ropes and laces has become a bit of a legend since it opened for business in 1938. Among its regulars, van de Kerkhof proudly counts the National Ballet Palace het Loo and the Dutch Opera Foundation. How’s that for some casual name dropping? The grandfather of current owner Manuelle originally established the business on the Wolvenstraat, on the other side of the bridge across the Prinsengracht.  The shop only moved to the Elandsgracht in 2010 and was in time handed down to the son, who in time handed the shop down to Manuella, who continues expanding the shop’s service and reputation. Step inside this place and you do actually feel as if you stepped into a different dimension. Such warmth and lovely colours meet your senses here that you walk around in amazement for a while.

contact

Elandsgracht 43

1016 TN

+3120 6234084

www.kerkhofpassementen.com

HJ van de Kerkhof
57-59

Baskèts

Elandsgracht-Baskets-12

This store that takes its name from the French word for sneakers, opened in April 2012. It focuses on sneakers. Not just trainers, the ones we wear on weekends or holidays preferably until they disintegrate with wear. We’re talking about proper sneakers, from high end brands, and acceptable footwear in most of Amsterdam’s hotspots and on the occasional catwalk. Aside from the familiar brands, this new specialised shoe store also carries the lesser known, more exclusive brands. As a nice extra touch, it also has room for some of the local brands such as Locals AMS. The store interior is exciting in a toned down way, clean and beautiful but not exaggerated or pretentious. Baskèts is owned by Jeffrey Sluijzer and Daan de Greef.

contact

Elandsgracht 57-59

1016 TN

+3120 4284071

www.basketsamsterdam.com

Baskets
58

De Kleine Eland

Elandsgracht-Kleine Eland

In just seven years, Jurgen Ambrosius and his wife have found a home on the Elandsgracht for their toy store ‘De Kleine Eland’. In turn, the Elandsgracht has embraced this shop with its old-school toys, dolls, puzzles, games and any other classic toys you could think of.  With a primary school  nearby, their target market is just around the corner. The couple started their toy store in 1993, so 2013 marks quite the milestone.Through a coincidental meeting with the owner of the building, they kept in touch and were able to take his place in 2006 and open their doors to what must look like a true paradise for any kid that is not glued to an iPod, mobile phone or other electronic gadget. Even adults have a field day here, as it will doubtlessly take them back to their childhood with a lot of the toys on display. Expect to leave the shop with a big smile, and most likely some “ new, old toys”.

contact

Elandsgracht 58

1016 TW

+3120 6209001

www.kleine-eland.nl

De Kleine Eland
60

Tenue de Nîmes

ReneEnMennoPortret1

Talk about your not-so standard success story. Ask any economist, businessperson or other so-called expert what the prognosis woud be for a denim boutique that was to open its doors right on the eve of the biggest global economic meltdown since the early 1930s and their smirks and laughter would probably be heard all over town.  Which, Tenue de Nimes have proven, is precisely why one should at all times not be distracted by outside voices and only listen to their own conviction. Nearly four years on, and the place is even more flourishing, original, vibrant and just lovely to spend some time and money in, than it was in November 2008. They have gained massive momentum in real life, but also huge support online, thanks to their passionate blogs, special events, collaborations with the biggest brands in not just denim history but in the clothing industry in general. Eye for detail, for authenticity, knowledge of history and the classics, and service is what started the word of mouth and made so many people fall in love with this treasure on the Elandsgracht.

contact

Elandsgracht 60

1016 TX Amsterdam

+3120 3204012

www.tenuedenimes.com

Tenue_de_Nimes01
86

Edison Interieur

Edison

Ask a random Amsterdammer about Edison and eight out of ten will say” Isn’t that the carpet place?” That is one of the first things current owner Henriette says when asked about her business. It is a bold statement, but anecdotes abound that support its accuracy. Like the one where a previous owner in the 1980s did some DIY product placement by displaying the company logo for all to see during the filming of the Dutch cult classic “Amsterdamned”. Several trams also carried life size logo’s of the business as they cruised through the entire capital for weeks on end. Despite Henriette not knowing exactly how long Edison has been in business, she herself is considered one of the guiding forces behind the scenes. Of course, as an owner for the past six years, but she was an employee for no less than two decades prior to that. A conservative estimate by Henriette indicates Edison was
already around in the early 1970s, although back then it conducted its business on the Rozengracht. The diversity in its inventory of home furnishings, and the ability to adapt to changing trends and changing customer behaviour have set Edison apart all these years and have built its enduring reputation. The Elandsgracht would not be the same without Edison. Enough said.

contact

Elandsgracht 86

1016 TZ

+3120 5219800

www.edisontapijt.nl

Edison Tapijt
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Engels Verfspeciaalzaak

Engels

Engels Verf is another prime example of an  entrepreneur who has staked his claim on the Elandsgracht almost fourty years ago and has weathered recessions, extensive road works, and more discerning customers. This business focuses strictly on paint and its direct accessories – a rarity in the industry as owner Rolf points out. Especially in these days were businesses are often forced to diversify. Rolf, sole remaining  member of his family in the business after his father handed over the reins, regularly attends workshops and courses to keep his knowledge up to date. His personnel is strongly encouraged to do likewise. Seeing as how each and everyone of them has been with the company for seven years or longer, that is not considered a downside. Quite to the contrary – Engels Verf is a business known as an expert and a specialist. To earn that is one thing. To hold on to those credentials is quite another. The store has been refurbished, to see the business through the next 40 years.

contact

Elandsgracht 93

1016 TS

+3120 6263030

www.verfspeciaalzaak.nl

17012013 - Engels Verspeciaalzaken (1)
96

Key Color

Elandsgracht-Key Color

Key Color is the kind of shop you might walk past without a second glance. Which is perfectly understandable, considering its non-flashy exterior. That is not to say however, that what is on the inside is not impressive. Quite the contrary. This fifteen year old business is the result of a man who, having learned the tricks of the photography trade at Kodak, decided to set up shop himself. That way he could put into practice his own ideas about service and customer interaction. Can you call such a thing a gamble when you know this is bound to be a success? People from Belgium and Gemany find their way to Frits’s shop, so the answer to that question seems obvious.  Frits does it all, whether you need quick passport pictures done, or looking for a floor-to-ceiling print of an image you found somewhere, Frits is your man. His clients range from the elderly lady down the street to big multinationals. You can come in here to print off images from a memory card, but Frits won’t let you leave until he’s made sure the images look the best they can – manually correcting them where necessary or desired. Service as it was meant to be.

contact

Elandsgracht 96

1016 VA

+3120 6201418

www.key-color.nl

Key Color
98

Smit-Cruyff Sportspecialisten

Elandsgracht-Smit-Cruijff

Smit-Cruyff is the sportswear store of Amsterdam. First of all there is the obvious connection to one of the world’s legends of football (Johan Cruyff’s brother was a co-founder). This store opened its doors in 1940 and, as a result, has beaten a world war, recessions, depressions, you name it, only to come out victorious. What’s in a name, as a famous bard once wrote. Besides this, or maybe because of its spreading reputation, global sports brands like Puma and Nike were launched in The Netherlands via this very store. Yes, you read that right. The two current owners, Guno Reingoud and Robbie van der Straeten are now both in their fifties, and took over the business in 1998. These guys know every nook and cranny of the store, since they were working here  as assistants when they were teens, admiring the action photo’s and newspaper clippings that decorate the wall when they were teenagers. Needless to say this store holds a special place in their hearts, as does the gracht they are located on. For many Amsterdammers, Elandsgracht is synonymous with Smit-Cruyff. Here is to the next 70 years.

contact

Elandsgracht 98

1016 VA

+3120 6231735

www.smit-cruyff.nl

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