Shopping in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is the city for small shops. New, amusing and unusual shops open all the time. In addition, most of them are within walking distance, which makes shopping a pleasant experience.
Kalverstraat
The large retail chains, with fashion, shoes and accessories are lined up on the Kalverstraat between Dam square and Muntplein. Most shops also open on Sundays. De Bijenkort, the elegant department store for designer goods is up on the Dam. The Dutch fashion chain, Mexx, has its flagship shop in the middle of Kalverstraat. On the top floor, there is Europe’s largest range of Mexx Man products. Not far away, you will find Rituals, an amusing shop that sells “home and body cosmetics”. This includes everything from shampoo and tea to detergent and air cleaners in elegant packages. Amusing present packages are on offer like the designer washing-up brush with Lotus Touch washing-up liquid.
Another favourite on Kalverstraat is the American Book Centre, which has a wide selection of music and fashion literature. The Kalvertornet gallery, with more exclusive shops, is down by Muntplein.
Leidsestraat
The shops continue along Leidsestraat, between Kalverstraat and Leidesplein. The colourful flower market is at Koningsplein, beside the Singel canal. Even if you had not intended to buy a bunch of cheap tulips to your beloved, you can stroll round for a while and absorb the atmosphere. There are many well-stocked shoe shops along Leidsestraat. This is also where you will also find one of Amsterdam’s new concept shops, Spoiled. They sell trendy jeans, designer leisure clothes, old records, books and oddments. The same building also houses HIP (Hair innovating people), if you need a new hairdo.
PC Hoofstraat
The cutest shopping street, with branded stores like Armani, Chanel, Gucci and Mulberry. Do not miss the neatest branch of Shoebaloo, the shoe chain. This is the best shoe shop in town for people who are happy to
spend a few hundred Euro on brands like Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, Dolce & Gabbana and Dior. This is also where you will find Didato, a specialist shop for fashion conscious men.
The nine small streets
The quarter between Koningsplein and Westerkerk (between the Prinsengracht and Herengracht canals) is called “the nine small streets”, and is an excellent area to stroll round in. Both because the canals and the old houses are beautiful, and also because the streets are packed with small shops, cafes and galleries. You can buy anything here from mature cheese to secondhand buttons. The area is especially well known for its second-hand shops.
Margriet Nannings on Prinsenstraat has the most exclusive range. At no. 15, they sell the latest from Comme des Garçons, Stone Island, C.P Company etc, and at no. 24, there is the outlet shop with sale goods.
Another charming shop is Local Service, on the crossroads between Keizergracht and Huidenstraat, which has a wide range of Paul Smith shirts.