Large retail chains and international web shops are increasingly winning out over the small entrepreneur. Fortunately, a number of Groningers still faithfully shop at the familiar traditional bakery on the corner or at that one speciality shop where the service is so fantastic. With some regularity, we highlight the newest hotspots in town. This time we take a different approach, and visit the established names. The shops that have been in town for years. Just because they deserve some extra attention from time to time. Is your favourite 'oldie' among them?
H. Witting & Son (since 1876)
Oosterstraat 51 - The oldest shop in town is hat and cap shop H. Witting & Zn. This specialist shop has been a household name in the city and province of Groningen for over 135 years. No wonder hat lovers from far beyond the province find their way to this special shop. This small historical museum still has old shop windows, an antique cash register from the shop's early days, an authentic play bridge from shipbuilding and, of course, headwear. Lots of headgear. From the one and only Groningen skipper's cap (only available here) to the well-known 'Peaky Blinders' cap and from high-quality hats made of pure virgin wool to gloves and other fashion accessories. Stroll in, because a Witting hat suits everyone.
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Crebas (since 1888)
Steentilstraat 7 - Although bakery Crebas has not had an indoor bakery since two years, the bakery shop has fortunately remained. These days, the bread and pastries are still prepared according to traditional methods a little further away in Loppersum. Crebas' cosy shop has a rich history, and proudly bears the Royal Coat of Arms and the title "Supplier to the Royal Household". Just 12 square metres of shop space does not stop the baker from extensively displaying all his delicacies. Crebas specialities include the Academiepleintje, a richly filled butter cake with candied fruit and almonds, and the Crème der A, a sphere cake filled with cream and covered with hazelnut pieces. Starting to salivate yet? Crebas does not go by the cart along the houses like it used to, but you will have to come by yourself in Steentilstraat.
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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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Vakkledinghuis Groningen (since 1925)
Oude Ebbingestraat 67 - The Vakkledinghuis Groningen has been the place to go for workwear in Groningen for 99 years. Here they have everything you need, from work shoes to overalls and dust jackets. Extra special is that they also sell nostalgic workwear here, such as the Klettervest, which you rarely find anywhere else. The service here is personal and customer-oriented: staff are happy to help you take measurements, so that the clothes always fit perfectly.
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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.
