Sustainable shopping at Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Instituut

Sustainable shopping at Rotterdam’s Nieuwe Instituut

ROTTERDAM, 28 November 2024 – A new concept in sustainable shopping is set to take root in Rotterdam, with the opening of the New Store 3.0 pop-up at the Nieuwe Instituut. Focused on regenerative retail, the store introduces products designed to benefit people and the environment.

New Store 3.0 opens in Rotterdam

The Nieuwe Instituut in Rotterdam will launch the third edition of its New Store concept on Thursday, 12 December 2024. This pop-up shop, housed in the museum’s foyer, serves as a testing ground for alternative retail models that prioritise sustainability and regenerative practices. Unlike previous editions held during design festivals, this iteration will offer physical products for sale from seven designers, marking a significant step forward for the project.

The shop will remain open for at least a year and is expected to evolve into a permanent feature of the Nieuwe Instituut. Entry to the New Store is free and accessible during regular museum hours.

Exploring regenerative retail

The New Store initiative is part of a long-term research project by the Nieuwe Instituut aimed at developing a retail model that contributes positively to ecological and social systems. The pop-up serves as a living laboratory, where consumer feedback, regenerative criteria, and innovative designs are tested and refined. Over time, these insights will guide the development of a fully regenerative retail space.

Products available in New Store 3.0 include creations such as SeaWood by BlueBlocks, Reef by Urban Reef, and Woolfiller by Heleen Klopper. Each item has been produced in collaboration with local makers and is designed to benefit its surrounding ecosystem, whether by rehabilitating soil, supporting marine habitats, or fostering sustainable small-scale industries.

Some products also encourage customer participation through workshops and activities, inviting the public to contribute to the continued development of the concept.

Flip the City Duckweed Tile. Credit: TaronaFlip the City Duckweed Tile. Credit: Tarona
Heleen Klopper Woolfiller. Credit: TaronaHeleen Klopper Woolfiller. Credit: Tarona
Oyster Heaven Mother Reef. Credit: TaronaOyster Heaven Mother Reef. Credit: Tarona

Insights from the Nieuwe Instituut

Aric Chen, general and artistic director of the Nieuwe Instituut, highlighted the importance of the initiative, stating, "New Store is one of our testing grounds, where we bring ideas into the real world to see how they function. Cultural institutions must not only discuss and present design solutions but also implement them."

In partnership with Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, the project also includes the development of a regenerative label. This certification system aims to measure the environmental and social impact of products and services. The results of this labelling process will be displayed in the shop, providing customers with transparency about the products’ sustainability credentials.

Location and visiting details

The New Store is located in the foyer of the Nieuwe Instituut at Museumpark 25 in Rotterdam. The shop is open six days a week during museum hours, and admission is free.

For visitors arriving by public transport, the Nieuwe Instituut is a short walk from Eendrachtsplein metro station and Museumpark tram stop. The area is well-connected and offers a range of cultural and recreational activities.

Thrift shopping expands at Zeeman Rotterdam

Thrift shopping expands at Zeeman Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 12 November 2024 – Thrift and vintage shoppers in Rotterdam have a new destination at Zeeman’s Zuidplein store, which has just introduced a dedicated selection of second-hand clothing. This expansion adds to the growing range of sustainable fashion options in the city.

Rotterdam's Zeeman brings ‘Re-use’ second-hand fashion to Zuidplein

Rotterdam shoppers now have a fresh opportunity to explore affordable second-hand fashion with Zeeman’s expansion of its ‘Re-use’ programme to the Zuidplein store. With an increasing focus on sustainability and reducing textile waste, Zeeman has brought a selection of pre-loved clothing to this bustling location in Rotterdam. The store offers curated pieces from partner Het Goed, known for its work in second-hand and sustainable fashion, making it easy for shoppers to find quality used items without leaving the city.

Second-hand shopping: a trend on the rise

Interest in thrift and second-hand shopping has been surging in the Netherlands, with 62% of Dutch people purchasing pre-owned items in 2022, and 39% choosing reusable textiles. As more people turn to vintage and thrift stores, Zeeman’s Re-use initiative taps into this shift by providing accessible, budget-friendly options for those who want to reduce their environmental footprint. The addition of second-hand clothing to the Zuidplein store makes it easier for Rotterdam locals to embrace a more sustainable shopping experience.

Thrift shopping expands at Zeeman RotterdamThrift shopping expands at Zeeman Rotterdam

What to expect from Zeeman's ‘Re-use’ line

For those who enjoy hunting for unique and affordable clothing, Zeeman’s Re-use collection offers a rotating selection of items. The collection is carefully sorted and curated by Het Goed, ensuring that each piece meets quality standards. The clothing is displayed in-store alongside new items, giving shoppers a chance to mix and match vintage finds with contemporary basics. From casual wear to everyday essentials, the Re-use line provides options for anyone looking to shop more sustainably without sacrificing style or budget.

Rotterdam’s spot for sustainable fashion

Located in the popular Zuidplein shopping centre, Zeeman’s new second-hand section fits into Rotterdam’s expanding thrift and vintage scene. The addition of Re-use at Zeeman gives local shoppers yet another destination to explore affordable and eco-friendly fashion. With second-hand clothing now available, shoppers can enjoy the thrill of thrifting in a familiar, accessible store environment right in the heart of Rotterdam.

Directions to Zeeman Rotterdam Zuidplein

Zeeman’s Zuidplein store is located at Zuidplein Hoog 501, 3083 BG, within the vibrant Zuidplein shopping centre, a popular retail hub in south Rotterdam. Easily reachable by metro and bus, the centre is a convenient stop for both locals and visitors eager to explore sustainable shopping options.

City Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homes

City Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homes

ROTTERDAM, 1 October 2024 – Sharon Streuper, founder and interior designer at Maison Sucre, has introduced a new furniture line, “City Chic,” tailored for Rotterdam’s dynamic housing developments. The collection reflects Streuper’s vision of blending luxury and accessibility in modern urban living spaces.

Sharon Streuper, the creative force behind Rotterdam-based Maison Sucre, has unveiled her latest project: the City Chic furniture line. Designed with Rotterdam’s rapidly changing skyline in mind, the collection embodies her approach to interior design, which balances elegance with everyday functionality. Streuper’s journey as a designer, inspired by her global travels and eye for detail, is central to this new collection, which aims to offer stylish yet practical solutions for modern homes.

A vision rooted in Rotterdam's growth

As Rotterdam continues to see a boom in new housing developments, Streuper sees the City Chic line as a response to the city’s evolving needs. “Rotterdam is a city in constant motion, and the way people live here is changing,” Streuper explains. “With City Chic, I wanted to create something that feels luxurious but also fits the way we live in these new spaces.”

Her focus is on providing high-quality, stylish furniture that complements the sleek, modern architecture seen across the city. The collection is designed for the growing number of new-build apartments and homes, incorporating clean lines and refined details that create a sense of both luxury and homeliness.

City Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homesCity Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homes

Drawing inspiration from the world, creating for Rotterdam

Streuper’s design philosophy is deeply influenced by her international experiences. Having visited luxury hotels and exclusive restaurants around the world, she brings elements of those experiences into her work, while ensuring the designs remain approachable and relevant for everyday living in Rotterdam.

“I’ve always been fascinated by how certain spaces can feel both luxurious and personal,” Streuper says. “With City Chic, I wanted to bring that same feeling into people’s homes. It’s about creating a balance between high-end design and a space that feels intimate and comfortable.”

Her new collection features a wide range of furniture, from elegant dining tables to contemporary sofas, all designed to reflect a cosmopolitan lifestyle while maintaining a sense of warmth and comfort. Streuper’s signature approach—working closely with clients to understand their personal tastes—can be seen in the collection's carefully selected colour palettes and materials.

City Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homesCity Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homes

A personal touch in every room

At Maison Sucre’s showroom in Rotterdam, visitors can experience Streuper’s designs first-hand. The City Chic line is displayed in fully furnished rooms that showcase how the furniture can be integrated into real homes. Streuper is committed to helping people create spaces that reflect their individuality, without sacrificing style or quality.

“The City Chic collection is not just about furniture,” Streuper emphasises. “It’s about designing spaces that feel like home, that reflect who you are while still offering a sense of elegance.”

Streuper invites those interested to visit Maison Sucre’s showroom on Groenendaal 245, where they can see the collection and discuss their interior design needs in person.

City Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homesCity Chic: Sharon Streuper’s vision for Rotterdam homes

Directions to Maison Sucre showroom

The Maison Sucre showroom, located at Groenendaal 245 in central Rotterdam, is easily accessible by public transport and has ample parking nearby. Visitors can stop by every Friday between 10:00 and 17:00, or attend an inspiration day on the first and third Saturday of each month.

Order Asian groceries in Rotterdam with Uber Eats

Order Asian groceries in Rotterdam with Uber Eats

ROTTERDAM, 29 July 2024 – Uber Eats has expanded its offerings in Rotterdam by partnering with Amazing Oriental, enabling residents to order authentic Asian products directly through the app. This collaboration promises to enhance the availability of Asian groceries in the city.

Uber Eats collaborates with Amazing Oriental in Rotterdam

Uber Eats and supermarket chain Amazing Oriental have announced their new partnership. Amazing Oriental, the largest Asian supermarket chain in the Netherlands, now offers customers in Rotterdam the ability to order authentic Asian products through the Uber Eats app. Orders are delivered directly by Uber Eats couriers. The partnership ensures that a variety of authentic products, previously only available in-store, can be conveniently delivered. This move is expected to cater to the diverse culinary needs of the city’s inhabitants.

By integrating Amazing Oriental's offerings, Uber Eats is expanding its local options, reflecting the multicultural fabric of Rotterdam. The addition of Asian groceries complements the existing variety on the platform, making it easier for users to access specialty items.

Napoleon's sustainable swap event in Rotterdam

Napoleon's sustainable swap event in Rotterdam

ROTTERDAM, 20 January 2024 – In an eco-conscious (and marketing-savvy) move, Napoleon offers a sweet swap: plastic for paper-wrapped treats in Rotterdam.

Napoleons exchanged for eco-friendly packaging in Rotterdam initiative

In a significant environmental initiative, consumers in Rotterdam were given the opportunity to exchange their Napoleon candies wrapped in plastic for new ones encased in sustainable wax paper packaging. This event, held at Rotterdam Alexandrium on Saturday, 20 January, aimed to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. Napoleon's move to wax paper wrappers marks a commitment to decreasing litter and contributing to global plastic reduction efforts.

The swap event, which took place from 10:00 to 18:00, saw candy enthusiasts coming together to support the fight against plastic waste. This initiative reflects the growing concern over plastic pollution and the steps companies are taking to address environmental issues.

Sustainable packaging without compromising taste

Last autumn, the candy producer transitioned to wax paper wrappers across all 27 flavour variants of its products, significantly reducing plastic usage by 60,000 kg annually. Despite the change in packaging, the distinctive taste and variety of the Napoleon candies remain unchanged, with each of the 27 bullet flavours retaining its unique wrapper colour.

The new FSC®-certified paper wrappers are coated with a vegetable wax made from corn and rapeseed, free from palm and coconut oils, ensuring moisture protection without the use of harmful substances. Through packaging and communication efforts, Napoleon emphasizes the importance of disposing of wrappers properly to prevent littering.

Directions to the event

How to get to Rotterdam Alexandrium

Rotterdam Alexandrium, the venue for the Napoleon candy exchange event, is easily accessible by public transport and offers ample parking for those driving. Located in the heart of Rotterdam, Alexandrium is known for its shopping and leisure facilities, making it a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

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