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, 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.

ROTTERDAM, 6 May 2025 – A new pop-up store will briefly open on the Wilhelminakade later this month, spotlighting curated vintage fashion and upcycled garments. The initiative is a collaboration between local fashion curator Selected With Love and designer Margreeth Olsthoorn.

Temporary fashion store to open on Wilhelminakade

A temporary fashion pop-up is scheduled to open in Rotterdam from 23 May to 1 June 2025, hosted at the MO2 Space located at Wilhelminakade 52–54. The initiative is led by the vintage fashion platform Selected With Love (SWL), in collaboration with renowned Rotterdam-based designer Margreeth Olsthoorn.

The curated collection will include hand-selected vintage pieces sourced by SWL founder Evelien Platteeuw. Visitors can expect a mix of garments that reflect craftsmanship, design sensibility, and the eras in which they were originally worn. In addition to vintage fashion, a limited selection of archive and pre-owned items from Olsthoorn's own label will also be available.

Launch of first SWL capsule collection

The pop-up will also mark the release of the first SWL capsule collection. This series of upcycled garments has been created from repurposed materials and reimagined into contemporary designs, aligning with the brand’s focus on sustainable fashion practices.

Opening night performance

An opening event is planned for Friday, 23 May from 18:00 to 21:00. The evening will feature a live fashion and music performance directed by Unorthadox and will include several guest acts. Attendance is free, and registration for the event is available via Eventbrite here. Admission includes one complimentary drink.

Directions to the venue

How to get to Wilhelminakade 52–54

The MO2 Space is situated on the Kop van Zuid, a modern and architecturally distinctive district along the southern bank of the Maas. Easily reachable by tram, metro (Wilhelminaplein station), or a short walk from the Erasmus Bridge, the area offers both industrial charm and waterfront views.

ROTTERDAM, 18 April 2025 – A new chocolate bar infused with gin is marking Schiedam’s 750th anniversary, the result of a local collaboration. Bobby’s Gin and De Bonte Koe bring together two crafts in one creation: confectionery and distillation.

Chocolate and gin merge in tribute to Schiedam’s 750 years

A limited edition chocolate bar has been launched by two well-known Schiedam-based producers: Bobby’s Dry Gin and De Bonte Koe. The collaboration marks the 750th anniversary of Schiedam and brings together handmade chocolate and gin in a single creation.

The bar, available from 28 March 2025, features soft milk chocolate filled with smooth caramel and infused with Bobby’s Dry Gin. It is said to reflect the gin’s botanicals, with subtle notes of lemongrass, clove and cubeb pepper. The result is a distinctive taste inspired by what Bobby’s calls the fusion of “Dutch Courage & Indonesian Spirit”.

A visually distinct chocolate bar

The design of the chocolate bar mirrors the bold visual identities of both brands. Moulded with radiating lines that point toward a central medallion bearing De Bonte Koe’s name, the bar splits cleanly to reveal its caramel-gin core. It is presented in a signature orange box, printed with the black-and-white ikat pattern associated with Bobby’s Gin. Inside, the bar is wrapped like a letter, sealed with a yellow sticker—adding a tactile sense of craftsmanship to the experience.

Bobby’s Gin and De Bonte Koe launch chocolate bar

A personal tasting: gin and chocolate done right

Having received a complementary To-Go Gift Pack, I went for the full experience but gave it my own twist. Rather than opening the pre-mixed cans of Gin & Tonic and Gin & Pink Lemonade that come in the To-Go Gift Pack, I poured myself a proper glass of Bobby’s Gin over ice. I’m not much of a cocktail drinker, so this felt more in line with how I like to enjoy spirits; neat, or almost neat.

The chocolate bar was smooth, rich and just boozy enough to remind you it’s not your average sweet treat. The caramel layer is super creamy and had that melt-in-your-mouth texture. The gin brought a subtle warmth and spice that lingered nicely. When paired with the gin itself, the citrus flavour felt more defined. Even though I don't have much of a sweet tooth, it was honestly a solid combo, better than expected, and something I’d be happy to share with friends. 

To-Go Gift Pack featuring 4 cans of pre-mixed gin and a large gin-infused chocolate bar.

Gift-ready and easy to carry

The To-Go Gift Pack comes in a sturdy carry box with bold orange and black visuals. It includes the gin-infused chocolate bar and four ready-to-drink cans (Bobby’s Gin & Tonic and Gin & Pink Lemonade). The whole package is easy to carry, well presented, and makes for an original gift, especially if you’re bringing something to a dinner or want to surprise someone with a Rotterdam-made treat. Even if you’re not into pre-mixed drinks, the packaging alone makes it feel festive and special.

Bobby’s Gin and De Bonte Koe launch chocolate bar

Where to find it

The limited edition chocolate and gift set are available in De Bonte Koe’s shops in Schiedam, Rotterdam and The Hague, as well as in selected liquor stores including the Jenevermuseum and Wijnhandel Van Dijk in Schiedam, and Library of Spirits in Rotterdam. Online purchases can be made via bobbysdrygin.com and debontekoe.nl.

How to get to De Bonte Koe

De Bonte Koe’s flagship location is situated along the Lange Haven in the historic heart of Schiedam. This area is known for its canals, jenever heritage, and walkable streets lined with boutiques and cafes. It is easily accessible via tram and train from Rotterdam Central Station.