Elandsgracht Amsterdam

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.

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”.

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.

Kwik Fix Massage is located at Elandsgracht number 61 A and has been for many years. It has been run by Chinese entrepreneurs ever since it first opened its doors. In August 2012, Alice took over and she immediately made an impact, turning the business into a highly praised and respectable massage parlor. What draws people in and keeps them coming back is the combination of expertise and a modest, polite atmosphere. As a result, Kwik Fix’s  service and attitude speak louder and clearer than any expensive advertising campaign. Unlike the reputation that comes with so many massage parlors that litter Amsterdam lately, Kwik Fix prides itself on essentials such as hygiene, modesty, meditative quietness and sobriety. The highly trained, polite staff  who are multi-lingual to boot, are all experts in traditional Chinese massage. They will do their utmost to have you walk out the door feeling refreshed and as relaxed as can be.  With its door open seven days a week, from noon until 10pm, it caters to even the busiest of schedules.

Sinds 1965, this quiet little business has made quite a name for itself. Over the years it has shown something that is not as common in small business anymore as one would expect or hope: it is reliable. Plain and simple. It cleans your clothes, carpets or even leather and suede items and will even collect and deliver. It has moved to Hazenstraat 65 early in 2012, but considering its track record and, well, the name, we still consider it part of the Elandsgracht. The laundromat’s interior may occasionally look like fifteen closets full of clothes exploded, there is definitely a method to the apparent madness. The owner, Coert, works almost round the clock and does it with a smile and a kind word for everyone who walks into his place. His trusted two assistants are equally dependable and are always in for a quick joke or anecdote about the neighbourhood. Being made to feel like a regular and walking home with a mountain of fresh clean clothes never fails to put a smile on your face.

Hollywood Mark Tattoo was established on the Elandsgracht in 2007, but owner Mark had by then already lived in The Netherlands for fifteen years. The discussion of fate vs coincidence is not one to be had here, but one cannot escape the notion Mark was destined to do what he does, and to end up right here. Mark was spotted in Los Angeles in the 1990s by Dutch tattoo legend Henk Schiffmacher, who was suitably impressed by the young artist’s work. So much so that he extended an invitation to join him as an apprentice. Mark jumped at the opportunity and quickly made a name for himself, soaking up the knowledge and skills that are now building and expanding Mark’s own reputation. Moreover, it is in Amsterdam that he met the love of his life. Mark runs a small yet very dedicated business, where no work of art leaves the shop without his own seal of approval. He has tattooed some of the biggest names in both Dutch and worldwide showbusiness, but is very discreet about all of that. He much prefers his work and that of his fellow tattoo artist, speak for themselves. Whether you are looking to get inked, or just want to see where vision and drive can get you, if you are looking for undiluted inspiration, come visit this place.

This Rob Peetoom hairdresser is one of fourteen nationwide. The imporium has turned the owner’s name into a widely recognised brand name. Fourteen years ago it opened the shop at number 68 where Vincent Langedijk became creative director. Vincent more or less grew up inside the company, having started out as a trainee at age 17.  The company operates by a certain philosophy: a hair cut works if it matches the customer’s personality. It is all about the individual and his or her uniqueness. Especially in this case, the phrase ‘everyone is unique’ is not a paradox, but something to strive for: highlight that uniqueness in everyone. Moreover, the brand has its own academy that trains its future hair stylists. They are then differentiated in Junior Stylists, Stylists and Senior Stylists, ranked according to experience and ability. They have their own price range, so you decide how much you want to spend on your haircut. It is the focus on what suits every individual, the details of each face and the classy environment that make a trip to Rob Peetoom quite an experience.

This language school offers Dutch courses to highly educated internationals (expats) who are here for work, university studies or less formal reasons. The 60 new students that Koentact hosts every 5 weeks, work mostly for international companies such as Air France, Tommy Hilfiger and Nike. They follow the lessons in private or in group form. What sets Koentact apart, is its approach to teaching the language: the Dutch lessons focus predominantly on the combination of language and culture. Therefore, students go out on the streets during which they are encouraged to put into practice their newly learned vocabulary by interacting with Amsterdam locals. Theory alone is fine, but nothing quite helps the memory as practice, when you want to learn Dutch. Koentact also organizes the Amsterdam Language Café for everyone who wants to practice his foreign languages, so also for the ‘real Amsterdammer’. It is this sympathetic, original and personal approach that suits the spirit of the Elandsgracht to a tee.

Who does not love a place where you can catch up with that neighbour you haven’t spoken in a while, in a shop that not only looks amazing, but smells irresistable? If you answer that with a clever “I”, you obviously have not vistited Arnold Cornelis at number 78. And we in turn will strongly encourage you to do so. Because  it really is a treat. Take a load off, have some coffee to go with one of their mouthwatering treats and your day just got even better than it already was. Joke is one of the driving forces behind the store and can be found behind the counter every day, with an easy smile and a pleasant demeanor. 28 Years and counting has she done this. It’s the regulars that keep coming back for more that has her still loving her work. Arnold Cornelis make and bake all their goods at the very first location they opened: on the van Baerlestraat. So do not expect artificial ingredients, wrapped in mass-produced cakes and tartlets. Do expect the sweet taste of fine patisserie, made with pride.

Studio Stroop is all about passion, craftsmanship and diversity. Three concepts that virtually all businesses along the Elandsgracht have in common. Business is good, as its growing clientele is as diverse as its treatments and range of products. 20somethings rub shoulders with octogenarians,  the rich mingle with the less rich,  locals or people from way outside the city limits – they all find their way to the Studio. What matters most to owner Wilfred is to make someone feel better and more confident after a treatment because ultimately, confidence and feeling comfortable give a person true beauty, Wilfred says. It makes perfect sense. You connect with it because that is how you want to be treated. Wilfred employs eight people, all of whom have been trained internally by means of a course that is Studio Stroop’s own. It was devised by Wilfred, who saw this as a great way of spreading his filosophy and creating an unofficial stamp of approval of his Studio and his methods. Besides this shop, he also runs a studio at the very heart of the Dutch broadcasting industry, in Hilversum. Plenty of celebrities pop in there on a regular basis for some treatment or other. All of this together really make any advertising superfluous. The brand speaks for itself by now.