ROTTERDAM, 23 October 2024 – MediaMarkt is celebrating 25 years in the Netherlands. The German electronics retailer first opened its doors in Rotterdam in 1999, transforming the Dutch consumer electronics market.

^{Photo credit: Opening of the first MediaMarkt in the Netherlands in November 1999, Binnenwegplein, Rotterdam. Source: Peter Hilz}

MediaMarkt marks 25 years in Rotterdam

The consumer electronics retailer, MediaMarkt, is marking its 25th anniversary this month. The German company, originally founded in 1979, opened its first Dutch store in Rotterdam at Binnenwegplein in late 1999. Its introduction revolutionised the Dutch retail landscape by offering a large store format and competitive pricing. In celebration of its silver anniversary, MediaMarkt will launch a special media campaign, with a temporary return of the “Gekkenhuis” sale, which was well-known for its exclusive offers. Additionally, a unique night opening will be held from 26 to 27 October, coinciding with the shift to wintertime.

Democratization of consumer electronics

When MediaMarkt entered the Dutch market, it disrupted the way consumer electronics were sold. By offering a vast range of products at lower prices, the retailer made consumer electronics more accessible to the wider public. The ability to physically interact with products before purchasing was also a novel feature that helped cement MediaMarkt’s popularity. This hands-on approach continues to be one of the store’s main attractions today.

Innovation and changing consumer habits

A key aspect of MediaMarkt’s approach has always been innovation. In its early years, the store was known for keeping large amounts of stock on-site, allowing customers to take products home immediately. The retailer also played a role in boosting late-night shopping with special hourly deals and extended opening hours, which at the time was uncommon in the electronics sector. Through its lively marketing campaigns, MediaMarkt quickly became a household name. The store’s appeal was further boosted by celebrity appearances from artists such as Jan Smit and Meat Loaf.

As of 2024, MediaMarkt operates 55 stores in the Netherlands, along with an online shop and app. This year, the company launched a marketplace that allows external sellers to sell their products via the MediaMarkt platform. Additionally, each store now includes a “Smartbar”, where customers can receive advice and access services like product trade-ins, setting up energy or telecom contracts, and preparing laptops and smartphones for use.

Partnering with Feyenoord

This year, MediaMarkt also became a key sponsor of Feyenoord, Rotterdam's football club. The two organisations share a passion for entrepreneurship and community engagement, and plan to collaborate on various projects within the region and beyond.

Remko Rijnders, CEO of MediaMarkt Benelux, described the company’s journey in the Dutch market: “It has been an incredible experience so far. With our team members, customers, partners, and suppliers, we have witnessed the growing importance of technology, as it continues to change rapidly. We have faced challenges head-on in the past 25 years, and we intend to do the same for the next 25.”

Sustainability and innovation

Sustainability has become an increasing focus for MediaMarkt. In 2022, the MediaMarktSaturn group introduced the BetterWay programme across all its markets. This initiative encourages consumers to make more sustainable choices by offering services such as product trade-ins, refurbished items, and a labelling system for eco-friendly products. Rijnders commented: “As technology evolves quickly, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to operate sustainably. With the BetterWay programme, we help consumers extend the life of their products and make more environmentally friendly choices. Additionally, we are always looking at ways to reduce our own ecological footprint.”

October sales and special night opening

From 24 to 27 October, MediaMarkt will relaunch its well-known “Gekkenhuis” sale, which originally attracted large crowds with unique offers and special promotions. For this anniversary edition, prizes will include a stay at a popular TV B&B in South Africa and a private tour of the Red Bull Racing factory in Milton Keynes, UK.

On the night of 26 to 27 October, MediaMarkt will hold a special one-hour night opening in its Tech Village Rotterdam location at Binnenwegplein, coinciding with the transition to wintertime. The retailer expects heavy traffic for this event and advises customers to arrive early. Details of the offers will be revealed shortly before the event on the MediaMarkt website.

Directions to Tech Village Rotterdam

Tech Village Rotterdam is located at Binnenwegplein, a central shopping area within walking distance of several public transport options. It can be easily accessed from Rotterdam Central Station by tram or metro. For those travelling by car, parking is available in nearby garages, including the APCOA Parking Westblaak.

ROTTERDAM, 24 September 2024 – An international journey led Rotterdam-based entrepreneur Hans Mosselman to discover a unique and sustainable ingredient: cascara. Now, he aims to introduce this little-known product to the Dutch market, beginning in the city he calls home.

A taste of Colombia in Rotterdam

Hans Mosselman’s venture, Zabroni, did not start as an idea for a new product. It began with a trip to Colombia and a chance encounter on a coffee farm. Initially interested in importing specialty coffee, Mosselman stumbled upon cascara, the dried skin of the coffee cherry, which is usually discarded or left on the ground by farmers. Intrigued by its distinctive flavour and sustainability potential, he saw an opportunity to bring a novel taste to the Netherlands.

“I came across cascara when I visited a coffee farm in Colombia,” Mosselman explains. “I was thinking about importing specialty coffee, but I found this product intriguing because it has a unique flavour, some health benefits, and it’s very sustainable.” Choosing Rotterdam as the launch city for Zabroni was a natural decision. “Not only do we live here, but Rotterdam is also very open to new products. There is already a lot going on in terms of sustainability, with companies like Blue City and Rotterzwam.”

Navigating challenges in a new market

Introducing a product that is largely unknown in the European market posed its own set of challenges. Mosselman notes that finding cascara with the right quality and flavour profile was difficult. The lack of familiarity with the product among suppliers meant that much of the sourcing and quality control had to be done independently.

“The first obstacle was to find cascara with the desired quality and flavour profile and a supplier who delivers on their promises,” he recalls. “We had to do that ourselves, mostly because nobody has experience with the product.”

Despite these challenges, Mosselman believes that Rotterdam's entrepreneurial ecosystem has been supportive. “Rotterdam is full of edgy entrepreneurs who like new things, and consumers here are ready to try something new,” he says. “We are confident that over time, Zabroni will find its way to businesses that appreciate natural products with great flavour.”

Aligning with Rotterdam’s values

Mosselman’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing has resonated well within the city’s culture. Rotterdam, known for its innovation and multicultural influence, is a fitting stage for Zabroni's debut. Mosselman explains that his journey into the world of cascara is deeply tied to his experiences in Colombia, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by coffee growers.

“Once you have seen how tough the life of a coffee grower is, you realise how unfair the coffee chain can be and how little the farmer is paid for his hard work,” he reflects. Zabroni sources its cascara from suppliers who not only pay fair prices but also help farmers improve their businesses, making them more resilient and sustainable. This approach aligns well with Rotterdam's focus on sustainability and ethical business practices.

Mosselman finds inspiration in local figures like Mark from Rotterzwam, who champions circular economy initiatives. “We also worry about our planet and feel that there are many opportunities to add value to discarded products like cascara. It not only makes sense but also gives us motivation to overcome the many obstacles we face,” he adds.

Looking ahead: ambitions and advice

Zabroni's ambition stretches beyond just making a mark in Rotterdam. The goal is to create a meaningful impact by reducing waste and providing a sustainable alternative in the beverage industry. “Our goal is to make Zabroni as successful as we can. In Colombia alone, hundreds of millions of kilos of cascara are discarded each year. Every kilo we use means another kilo of product does not have to be grown,” Mosselman says.

While acknowledging the challenge of entering a market dominated by giants like Coca-Cola and Unilever, Mosselman remains optimistic. He encourages other entrepreneurs in Rotterdam to take the plunge. “Just do it! We started with the idea of making a fair trade coffee brand and ended up making syrups from the peel. If you just start, you may not end up where you envisioned, but if you don't start, you'll surely get nothing done,” he advises.

His final piece of advice? Find something that excites you. “If your idea doesn’t give you that 'butterfly in the stomach' feeling, it probably won’t excite others either,” he suggests. “And always talk with entrepreneurs who are a bit further along the road.”

Finding Zabroni in Rotterdam

Zabroni's cascara syrup can already be found in Rotterdam at the restaurant A La Plancha and is available for purchase through its webshop. As the brand grows, Mosselman hopes to see more local businesses experimenting with this versatile ingredient.

A La Plancha restaurant in Rotterdam is located in a vibrant area known for its waterfront views and lively atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink.

ROTTERDAM, 20 October 2024 – Rotterdam residents are embracing Flink's fast grocery deliveries, with water, cucumbers, and bananas topping the list of most-ordered items. The city continues to be a key area of growth for the company, which has seen its local customer base expand steadily over the last three years.

Flink continues to expand in Rotterdam

Flink, the online grocery delivery service, has experienced significant growth in Rotterdam since its launch over three years ago. Today, more than 10% of the city’s residents regularly use the service. Among the most popular products ordered in Rotterdam are water, cucumbers, and bananas, with water ranking as the top choice.

Across the Netherlands, Flink has sold over 6 million bananas, with Amsterdam leading as the "banana capital," where more than 1 million bananas have been ordered. Amsterdam also holds the record for the most expensive order ever placed, totalling €2,126.35, which included 45 bottles of champagne. However, the largest food order in the country came from Hilversum, where a customer placed an order valued at €996.89, consisting mostly of 181 food items such as chicken nuggets, baguettes, and cheese cubes.

Rotterdam's love for fast deliveries

In addition to a wide range of products, Flink's delivery statistics reflect the growing demand in Rotterdam. Flink couriers have collectively cycled more than 40 million kilometres since the service began in 2021. The average delivery time is just 26 minutes, and the typical order value is nearly €40, which shows that Rotterdam residents are increasingly relying on the service for their daily grocery needs, rather than just last-minute items.

Holidays such as King’s Day (Koningsdag), Sinterklaas, and St. Martin’s Day (Sint Maarten) are consistently among the busiest days for deliveries.

Expanding product range

Flink plans to significantly expand its product range in the coming months, increasing its selection from 2,300 to nearly 5,000 items. This expansion will include not only a broader range of household and personal care products but also more ready-made meals and fresh food packages. According to Robin Kiesler, the director of Flink in the Netherlands, customers can expect a wider variety of vegan, low-carb, and affordable house-brand products. Kiesler stated, “We aim to cater to a wide range of preferences, including those with smaller budgets.”

Financial growth and new locations

Flink recently announced that it has raised an additional $150 million in funding to support further expansion. Over the next year, at least ten new locations will open, including in cities such as Gouda, Leidschendam, and Zwolle. Flink is already present in more than 40 municipalities across the Netherlands, with nearly 60 operational locations.

ROTTERDAM, 14 September 2024 – PLUS Blijdorp supermarket in Rotterdam has been awarded the Super Supermarket Certification (SSK) for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Entrepreneur Marcel Schungel received the certificate on 13 September 2024, in the presence of the SSK chair.

PLUS Blijdorp, located at Stadhoudersplein, has been recognised with the Super Supermarket Certification (Super Supermarkt Keurmerk) for its dedication to sustainable business practices. The certification is given to independent supermarket owners who demonstrate significant contributions to their local communities and the environment. Schungel and his team were acknowledged for their efforts in energy-saving initiatives, waste reduction, and their focus on improving local engagement.

Sustainability and community at the forefront

The certification is an acknowledgment of the store's sustainable approach and its proactive role in the community. PLUS Blijdorp has made strides in areas such as energy efficiency, local involvement, and creating a safe and pleasant shopping environment. The team has implemented new sustainability measures following a significant renovation last year, which contributed to the achievement of the certification.

Evaluation criteria

The supermarket was evaluated based on seven criteria: local engagement, personnel management, distinctive product assortment, energy sustainability, community safety, waste reduction, and logistics optimisation. Bram de Jong, the chair of the Super Supermarket Certification Foundation, emphasised that the certification is not easily achieved, requiring supermarkets to meet high standards. Schungel expressed pride in receiving the certification, stating, "It’s a recognition of the things that set us apart. It’s also reassuring for our customers to know they are shopping at a store run by someone who is locally engaged and operates responsibly."

Of the approximately 4,400 supermarkets in the Netherlands, 42% are run by independent franchisees. More than 280 supermarkets in the country have received the Super Supermarket Certification, developed by the sector association Vakcentrum in collaboration with TNO, a research organisation.

Address and directions

PLUS Blijdorp is located at Stadhoudersplein in Rotterdam. The supermarket is situated in a vibrant residential area, easily accessible by public transport and car. It is just a short walk from the Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo and other local amenities. Visitors can park at nearby car parks or take trams that pass through the neighbourhood.