ROTTERDAM, 23 July 2025 – Rotterdam rapper Qlas has been selected by PUMA Europe to represent the city in a new campaign centred around the Fade NITRO sneaker. The campaign connects local artists from Rotterdam, Naples, and Marseille to football-inspired street culture.

Qlas featured in PUMA's new Fade NITRO campaign

Rotterdam-based artist Qlas has been chosen to represent the Netherlands in PUMA Europe’s latest campaign for the Fade NITRO sneaker. The campaign focuses on cities where football culture plays an integral role in shaping local identity, with Rotterdam taking centre stage alongside Naples and Marseille.

The campaign, which was launched on 15 July 2025, features local artists as ambassadors of their cities’ distinct street cultures. Qlas, a rapper emerging from Rotterdam’s music scene, was selected for his close ties to the city and his growing influence in the local community.

Highlighting football as street culture

In the campaign, PUMA explores how football transcends sport in urban environments, becoming part of a city’s rhythm and expression. Each of the three cities contributes a different artistic voice: Qlas from Rotterdam, Bigmadwolff from Naples, and Alonzo and JMK$ from Marseille. The Marseille launch included a tie-in with MARSCUP, a grassroots football tournament, where Alonzo supported the local youth on the sidelines. By featuring artists with authentic ties to their communities, the brand attempts to reflect each city’s unique character through the campaign.

The Fade NITRO sneaker

According to PUMA, the Fade NITRO model is described as a minimalist sneaker designed for comfort and everyday use. It features a NITRO midsole for cushioning, a PWRFRAME heel stabiliser for support, and a seamless upper encased in a streamlined cage. The branding includes the Fade NITRO label on the tongue and the leaping cat logo on the heel.

The Fade NITRO model is described as a minimalist sneaker designed for comfort and everyday use.

About the Rotterdam artist

Known for his direct sound and lyrical style, Qlas has been gaining attention both locally and beyond. His involvement in the PUMA campaign marks a step into a broader European spotlight while remaining rooted in Rotterdam’s music and street culture.

ROTTERDAM, 3 June 2025 – A new second-hand shop with a charitable mission is set to open in Hillegersberg. Terre des Hommes brings its 43rd Dutch store to Rotterdam, offering upcycled items and opportunities for local volunteers.

Terre des Hommes opens charity shop in Hillegersberg

A new Terre des Hommes charity shop will officially open in Rotterdam's Hillegersberg district on Saturday 14 June. The store, located at Bergse Dorpsstraat 109A, marks the 43rd Dutch location for the organisation, which has been active in the Netherlands since 1966.

To mark the occasion, a modest opening event has been planned. Caroline Engels-Alkemade, neighbourhood chair for Hillegersberg, will perform the official opening at 11:00. A small fashion show is scheduled, and attendees will have a chance to win prizes.

A different kind of second-hand shop

Unlike other Terre des Hommes shops, the Hillegersberg location will feature specially crafted items under the label ‘Designed to be kind’. These include bags made from old denim trousers and cushion covers sewn from recycled denim threads, available only at the Rotterdam store.

Frank van Nederveen, regional coordinator at Terre des Hommes, noted: “The upcycled pieces are unique to this shop and give new life to discarded textiles.”

The shop will primarily offer second-hand clothing, shoes and accessories that are in near-new condition. Some of the bags and aprons in stock have been designed and sewn by one of the shop’s volunteers.

Volunteers running the store

The shop is managed by a team of dedicated volunteers. Although many positions have already been filled, there is still room for additional help.

“It has been inspiring to see new volunteers join with such enthusiasm,” said Van Nederveen. “The energy in the team is excellent. Anyone interested in volunteering is welcome to stop by for a chat.”

Donating as a gift

Visitors are encouraged to attend the opening and, if they wish, bring along donations of gently used women’s clothing and accessories. The shop exclusively sells items for women, and suggested donations include summer dresses, shoes, bags and jewellery.

Van Nederveen added: “Bringing something you no longer wear is a meaningful way to support our mission.”

Address and opening hours

The Terre des Hommes shop is located at Bergse Dorpsstraat 109A in Hillegersberg, a residential neighbourhood in northern Rotterdam known for its village-like charm and independent shops. The store is currently open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 13:30 to 17:30.

Getting there

The shop is situated in the heart of Hillegersberg, easily accessible by tram and bicycle. Parking is available nearby, but can be limited during peak hours. The area is known for its leafy streets, boutique stores and proximity to the Bergse Plassen.

ROTTERDAM, 13 June 2025 – A new creative addition has opened its doors on the Nieuwe Binnenweg. Hello Darkness brings alternative fashion, music, and literature to the heart of the city.

_{Image: Alderman Robert Simons and entrepreneur Milena van den Berg. Photo credit: David Rozing.} 

New alternative lifestyle shop opens on Nieuwe Binnenweg

A new shop specialising in vintage fashion, alternative music and zines has been opened on the Nieuwe Binnenweg in Rotterdam. The shop, named Hello Darkness, was launched as part of the Startersstore initiative by the municipality, aimed at countering vacancy and revitalising shopping streets.

Hello Darkness is operated by Milena van den Berg, who previously managed a local branch of Susan Bijl. The new shop marks her first independent venture and has been described as a reflection of her international touring experiences with her band, GGGOLDDD.

Municipal support for creative entrepreneurs

The opening was marked by a visit from Alderman Robert Simons (Economy), who expressed support for the shop and its contribution to the city's commercial landscape. “Rotterdammers want shopping streets that are clean, safe and lively,” said Simons. “By tackling vacancy and supporting promising entrepreneurs, we help strengthen local shopping areas and the city’s liveability.”

According to Simons, the property on Nieuwe Binnenweg underwent significant renovations before being handed over to Hello Darkness under a flexible lease structure.

A personal concept rooted in global inspiration

Milena van den Berg stated that the shop was shaped by her experiences abroad: “Hello Darkness is inspired by places I felt at home while touring with my band. It’s meant to be alternative and non-conformist. People come here to find clothing that reflects their identity, to discover music that speaks to them, or to pick up a zine they didn’t know they needed.”

In addition to fashion, the shop offers records, cassettes, independent publications, and lifestyle items. The interior design mirrors the aesthetic of the alternative community it aims to serve.

Image: Alderman Robert Simons and entrepreneur Milena van den Berg. Photo credit: David Rozing.

Startersstore programme seeks distinct concepts

The Startersstore programme (initiated by the municipality’s Fonds Vitale Kerngebieden) provides a platform for emerging or growing entrepreneurs to open a shop in an established location, without long-term lease obligations. The concept draws inspiration from similar projects in other cities and responds to a growing demand for distinctive and diverse retail offerings in Rotterdam.

A selection process was held to determine the most suitable tenant for the space at Nieuwe Binnenweg 10H. Hello Darkness was ultimately selected based on the uniqueness of its concept and how it aligns with the street’s character.

Visit Hello Darkness

Hello Darkness is located at Nieuwe Binnenweg 10H and is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 12:00 and 18:00. The shop is situated in the heart of a lively shopping street known for its independent boutiques and cultural venues.

Nieuwe Binnenweg is easily accessible by tram and bicycle, and is a short walk from Eendrachtsplein metro station. The area blends historical architecture with contemporary businesses, making it a notable destination in Rotterdam’s west.

ROTTERDAM, 2 June 2025 – A major new TK Maxx store is set to open this summer in the heart of Rotterdam. The retailer will occupy three floors of a recently renovated 1950s building.

TK Maxx to relocate across Binnenwegplein to renovated building

A long-vacant retail building at Binnenwegplein 12–22 has been fully renovated and handed over to its new tenant, TK Maxx. The move marks a shift for the retailer, which has maintained a presence on the square for years, and will now operate from a larger and more modern space directly across from its current location.

The revamped building, originally constructed in the 1950s for Kledingmagazijn Esders, has undergone an extensive redevelopment. Work included the installation of new façades, lifts, escalators, a sprinkler system, and insulation to improve sustainability. The total floor area spans approximately 5,000 m² over four storeys.

Heritage preserved in a new commercial setting

The redevelopment was commissioned by Being and carried out by J.P. van Eesteren. Efforts were made to retain the architectural character of the original post-war structure, while bringing it in line with contemporary building and energy standards.

“Through this transformation, we’ve given renewed purpose to a characteristic building from the reconstruction period (‘wederopbouw’), while contributing to the quality and sustainability of the Binnenwegplein as a commercial area,” said Bas van Dam, co-founder and managing partner of Being.

TK Maxx is expected to open its doors at the new address on 24 July 2025. The shop will occupy three of the four floors of the renovated building. The Kruidvat located on the ground floor of the same building will remain in place.

Binnenwegplein remains at the centre of Rotterdam retail

Binnenwegplein continues to function as one of Rotterdam’s busiest and most recognisable shopping areas, known for its pedestrian-friendly layout and mix of long-standing local names such as Bram Ladage and Donner. The relocation of TK Maxx within the same square underscores the area’s continued relevance as a key retail destination in the city centre.

Development delivered through collaboration

The building is owned by Being and Commonwealth Investments, with Being also leading the development. The design was created by SUM Architecten in collaboration with IMd Raadgevende Ingenieurs and DGMR. Drees & Sommer provided construction oversight, while J.P. van Eesteren executed the build. The engineering and construction phases were completed within a condensed timeframe.

How to get there

The new TK Maxx location is at Binnenwegplein 12–22, Rotterdam. It is situated at the heart of the city’s shopping district, within walking distance of Beurs metro station and multiple tram stops. The area is pedestrianised and easy to access by foot or bicycle.