Large retail chains and international online shops are increasingly gaining the upper hand over small businesses. Fortunately, a number of Groningen residents remain loyal to their trusted local artisan baker’s on the corner or that one speciality shop where the service is simply fantastic. We regularly highlight the city’s latest hotspots. This time, we’re taking a different approach and visiting the established names. The shops that have been part of the city for as long as anyone can remember. Simply because they deserve a bit of extra attention every now and then. Is your favourite ‘oldie’ among them?
H. Witting & Zoon (since 1876)
Oosterstraat 51 – The city’s oldest shop is the hat and cap specialist H. Witting & Zn. This specialist shop has been a household name in the city and province of Groningen for over 135 years. No wonder that hat enthusiasts from far beyond the province also find their way to this special shop. This small historic museum still features old shop windows, an antique till from the shop’s early days, an authentic ship’s gangway and, of course, headwear. A vast array of headwear. From the one and only Groningen skipper’s cap (available exclusively here) to the well-known ‘Peaky Blinders’ cap, and from high-quality hats made of pure new wool to gloves and other fashion accessories. Do pop in, because a Witting hat suits everyone.
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Crebas (since 1888)
Steentilstraat 7 – Although Crebas Bakery has not had an on-site bakery for the past two years, the bakery shop has fortunately continued to operate. The bread and pastries are still traditionally baked a short distance away in Loppersum. Crebas’ cosy shop has a rich history and proudly bears the Royal Coat of Arms and the title ‘Purveyor to the Royal Household by Royal Decree’. The shop’s modest 12 square metres of floor space does not prevent the baker from displaying all his delicacies in abundance. Crebas’s specialities include the ‘Academiepleintje’, a richly filled butter cake with candied fruit and almonds, and the ‘Crème der A’, a cream-filled round cake coated with hazelnut pieces. Is your mouth starting to water yet? Crebas no longer goes round the neighbourhood with a cart as it used to, but you’ll have to pop round to Steentilstraat yourself.
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Heijkens (since 1895)
Akerkstraat 15 - The father of the grandfather of the current Heijkens owner started a printing business in the city over 120 years ago. Opposite the print shop on Akerkstraat was het pakhuis, of which only the signboard remains. The shop, on the other hand, has survived. You might not associate a historic family business with hip machines and state-of-the-art technology. Until you have been to Heijkens, an engraving company where you can also go for printing, packaging and stamping. Stroll in, and you will notice how nice it is to get instant personal advice on the design for your gift with engraving, festive gift packaging or a custom-made (birth) card. With any luck, you'll get a proof to take home with you straight away. If that's not service, we don't know what is.
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Kaashandel van der Leij (since 1934)
Oosterstraat 61-63 - A specialist shop for real cheese heads. With over 300 cheeses on offer, this is the place to be for an impressive cheeseboard, cheese fondue or a good slice of cheese for bread. The only thing you won't easily find here are the so-called 'trend cheeses', in other words: cheeses that are popular not because they are so particularly tasty, but because, for whatever other reason, they have been in fashion for a while. What is currently very popular in cheese country are regional cheeses. Van der Leij also has some nice ones of these in its shop. Nice to see is not only the diversity of cheeses, but also the diversity of customers who walk in. From seniors to students and from families to young workers. Clearly, anyone who loves cheese is in the right place here.
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More ‘golden oldies’
Besides these five established names in the city, there are of course many other fine, historic shops and family businesses to list in both city and province. For example, Wijnkoperij Jos Beeres (since 1879), which always had a shop in town, but nowadays only tastes and sips at the Beereshoeve in Noordbroek. That Beeres moves well with the times is shown by its extensive webshop where one can choose from an assortment of more than 1,300 wines. Other famous Groningers in the alcoholic refreshment category, are the members of the Hooghoudt family (since 1888). What once started in a small cellar on Oosterstraat has grown into a large, modern distillery where tours and workshops are regularly given. Thirty years ago, Hooghoudt's centenary was crowned with the title 'Supplier to the Royal Household' and its own street name. Another name that should definitely not be missed in this list is Knols Koek (since 1923), the well-known family business where artisanal biscuits are baked as grandfather Knol once started.
