5 Dutch Stores I Cannot Live Without | American in the Netherlands

Stores and places people shop in general can tell a lot about a place and its culture. So in this video, I share 5 Dutch stores that I have come to love since I moved to the Netherlands from the United States. As usual, I also compare cultural differences between the US vs. The Netherlands.
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I like to share my experiences of an American expat in the Netherlands. I describe both the unique and everyday aspects of Dutch culture, and life in Holland while enjoying every bit of it!
Blog website: www.dutchamericano.com
Instagram: DutchAmericano
Get in touch: [e-mail]
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[@roybuis7646]

I'm a born & raised Dutchie, but your videos actually make me appreciate living here instead of thinking it's such a boring and shitty country. I always look forward to your videos for that moment of realisation where I think "You know what, it's not so bad living here"

[@FrankHeuvelman]

A Dutchie? En nog nooit aangestoken? Dát is pas wilskracht, bro. Respect.

[@elsvanzwoll]

Same here 🇳🇱👍🏼

[@dextr79]

Agreed, Ava (sp?) produces great videos that confront me with the dutch cultural habits, meanwhile appreciating them. At the same time, I'm eagerly learning how she experienced the USA before, because her native country is a favorite holiday destination of mine that I admire a lot (not the politics, both major parties are horrible - but the civilians are the best). These videos are great.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

You forgot the most important thing from the Hema: Hemaworst!

[@bobosims1848]

Een "Halve Warme"!! If you're not vegan or vegetarian, a trip to the Hema is incomplete without a Halve Warme. That snack has been around for as long as I can remember, which is at least 50+ years. Tarnation! All this talk of Halve Warme makes me wanna go out and get a Halve Warme, or maybe even two!

[@tom.jacobs]

Maybe not well known if you don't eat meat? ;)

[@amorroma1244]

@@bobosims1848 ...met mosterd!

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@tom.jacobs It should still be mentioned as that's what the store is famous for. There's even a song written about it.

[@jasper7072]

@@gert-janvanderlee5307 there's songs about a lot of things. Besides, not wanting to promote something they don't enjoy themselves seems valid to me.

[@tessavaneijk2118]

The Hema doesn't sell everything anymore.... they don't sell wall paint anymore..... so sad!!! Because they had the best.... And very cheap!! Jip and Janneke were an idea by my aunt.😊❤

[@listeningtothevoid]

You mean selling it with Hema? Or do you actually mean your aunt was Annie M. G. Schmidt?

[@tessavaneijk2118]

@@listeningtothevoid Annie M..G.Schmidt 😁 She Was actually the aunt of my father....😊

[@listeningtothevoid]

@@tessavaneijk2118 Wat bijzonder en leuk! Groet, Maarten

[@tessavaneijk2118]

@@listeningtothevoid dank je wel voor je lieve bericht.... en ja is idd best bijzonder.... ben stiekem ook best wel trots.😉

[@listeningtothevoid]

@@tessavaneijk2118 Graag gedaan en dat zou ik ook zijn hoor! Mooi ook om te lezen hoe je oudtante geliefd is in haar familie. Groetjes Maarten

[@cornetgirl2000]

Happy 2 year anniversary! I missed the Action on the list, that's a store I couldn't live without..

[@DutchAmericano]

Thank you! And oh, I have to admit that I've hardly been in one-still lots to discover I guess! =D

[@eefneleman9564]

@@DutchAmericano Don't go there unless you know exactly what you want or you'll buy half the store!

[@picobello99]

@@DutchAmericano Be warned: it's impossible to leave the Action without an entire basket full of stuff you don't actually need.

[@naagly]

the smell of Intratuin has childhood memories ingrained in me.

[@RDLondon2023]

Absoluut,tuinland heb je nu veel,dezelfde inventaris

[@way.truth.life.]

Totally 😂

[@thierryparte2506]

So many memories 😂 going christmas shopping with the parents being in awe with all the little houses or getting a sandwich wirh grandma...

[@vincentmoues9948]

Heb daar gewerkt we spuiten stiekem na sluitingstijd met een speciale stof voor die geur. Water😜

[@nienke7713]

HEMA is my go-to store whenever I need something and am not sure at what store to get it, because they most likely just have it. Everything they have is also their own brand, so going there you know you'll find stuff that isn't sold anywhere else, so especially when you're looking for something where design matters, at the very least checking out the HEMA is nice because the exact options they have won't be found anywhere else, and their style is nice, not too intricate but not boring either, and everything they sell seems to be at a reasonable price, whereas many other stores are either cheap but low quality or high quality but expensive, HEMA offers just that sweet spot of good quality for a reasonable price.

[@erikkrabbenbos4347]

I miss Vroom & Dreesmann! 😢

[@mariadebake5483]

Me too

[@bobosims1848]

Yeah, same here! V&D still exists, but now only as a Webshop. And that is just NOT the same as an actual, physical store.

[@mariadebake5483]

@@bobosims1848 No it isn't.... Such good memories of the VenD.... As a child, going to town with my mother (by bus), shopping everywhere and then drinking tea and having lunch in the VenD - amongst my very best childhood memories

[@nielsdebakker3283]

Another brand killed by "investment" company leeches.

[@rutgerb]

@@nielsdebakker3283 v&d it self killed many small mom and dad stores when it openend its big stores.

[@quatra1000]

I was born in Utrecht but we moved to the small town of Velp in Gelderland in 1956. There was a Albert Heijn but it was a very small grocery store. My mother always insisted to buy from the local stores: meat from the butcher, bread from the baker, fish from the fishmonger, flowers from the florist, etc. I've always kept doing that too, even after emigrating to Mexico in 1979. After having lived in Mexico City for 30 years, I now live in a small town and the farmers market is a 10 minute drive away and open 7 days a week. Also a Walmart supercenter is 5 miniutes away, but things like vegetables, fruit and meat always from the farmers market. I make my own bread, kroketten/bitterballen, frikandellen and frieten.

[@rubenvanpraagh8791]

Interestingly, the shops that aren't part of a chain can really make a difference. And Utrecht is full of independent retailers and small chains that offer unique stuff!

[@Parugraph]

The Xenos I love that store it has so many little things I love also Action.

[@KootFloris]

Everything in the Hema is their own brand. So they don't sell goods, of other brands as most stores do. This gives it the unique Dutch feel it has. And their design is like Ikea, simple and good.

[@essie23la]

almost everything (not to argue, it's still like 99% uniquely hema!), they do sell some other brands, for example they sell the Korean make-up brand Holika Holika and they have wines from different winemakers

[@KootFloris]

@@essie23la Good addition!

[@RichardRenes]

Nothing wrong with pulling a snack out of the wall at a Febo or Smullers from time to time. Nice that they also mark clearly which snacks are vegetarian and/ or vegan (not that I am but it is nice to know)

[@piet5601]

FEBO is so 020 intead try Bram Ladage raly 010

[@mariadebake5483]

What is Smullers? I never heard of it. I don't know Bram Ladage either

[@spaceforthesoul6286]

Friettent op t station hier.

[@mariadebake5483]

@@spaceforthesoul6286 Oh oké

[@dutchgamer842]

@@mariadebake5483 Smullers meestal op grotere NS stations

[@TheDesius]

Don't forget about the action. It's like a ghetto version of the hema but extremely cheap. Especially great for students on a small budget

[@_maghetweten]

Intratuin has got plenty for in door too. I do understand why you like the store. Hooray for the 2nd year of your channel. 🎉 As a Dutchie it is still nice to check your vids even though many are already known/common and not that surprising. Go score a stroopwafel or appeltaart in the Albert Heijn to celebrate 😎 Or go grab a kroket/frikadel from the Febo/Smullers. Enjoy! And oh Hema is to be found in Paris, Barcelona as well. Funny you didn't mention Action because we Dutchies like a bargain and that store is more like a direct competitor to Hema.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

I mentioned that too. Action is not Dutch though, but German I believe. And then we also have Solow.

[@nielsdebakker3283]

@@JanneWolterbeek Action is very dutch (Noord-Holland).

[@picobello99]

Hema is in Dubai as well. Of all places..

[@JanneWolterbeek]

@@picobello99 lol, did not know that…

[@reviewerdiogeones5857]

Girl, again you put a smile on my face because of the funny and honest way you are sharing your experiences living in the same country I do. Thank you!

[@theoswinkels5499]

I have to say, I feel a bit jealous the great way you are able to explain your thoughts about the Netherlands. Always fun to watch. Thanks!

[@gilauth6791]

Truly enjoy your views . Having spend some time in the Nederland where I discover and enjoyed the remarkable uniqueness of the Dutch way of life. Your presence bring back unforgettable memory. Thanks (from Canada)

[@fransvandervleuten3263]

The way you pronounce the 'ui' diphthong is perfect!

[@suecombelic-ghaly1518]

I loved the HEMA when I lived there. HEMA and outdoor markets were my favorites

[@Jurjen_Warrel_Ottenhoff]

I think the biggest difference between the fast-food in the US and here in the Netherlands is portions size. And the amount shugar/sweeteners in everything.

[@TimvanderWeyden]

Portion size and prices. In the USA it is easier to eat out in a fast food place than making a healthy dinner at home.

[@codex4046]

I love how you and Casey Killmore both keep talking about AH but you talk about how much you love it and she talks about how much she avoids it.

[@barbarawarner4645]

I also am an American EXPat living in The Netherlands. AH is the closest to a US lifestyle type market I’ve come across in terms of merchandizing . . . and is overpriced, in my opinion. They have a lovely beer and wine selection. But, I’ll take Aldi and Llidl any day with an occasional trip to Jumbo. Dutch women tend to be tall. It’s difficult for short women to buy clothing in The Netherlands. Agree about Hema. Quite a cute and useful shop.

[@HesthervG]

Hahaha yes I was expecting Hema of course! I also looove de Intratuin 😍 You should go to the Action and then you're fully integrated

[@gordonwallin2368]

Another nice, pleasant video. Cheers from the West Coast of Canada, (45 kilometres from a Dutch community, where I grew up.)

[@ffreshfields5211]

Omg you brought back memories of what it was like visiting the largest Intratuin of the country around Xmas time as a child and getting to see the Xmas shows and lavish layouts of ornaments, it was so magical :) Yes, when you visit Intratuin you basically want to move in and live there like a secret garden gnome or elf forever and live with all the plants! At least, that's what I used to think of as a child. The HEMA is incredible because you can find bubble bath products and stationary and pyjamas and freshly baked foods in one plaaaaaace 😭 How comforting is that!! And they have the best appelkoeken. I had no idea about the HEMA outrage, that's hilarious 😂 I have been living in the UK for many years now and I miss the Dutch stores after watching this episode..... My heart.... 😱😭🥺

[@Helpimnoob]

Congratulations on the anniversary! And funny that you mention Giant Heirloom as another business. I assume you mention them because you know, but they are owned by the same (dutch) parent company that also owns Albert Heijn.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Yeah, she mentioned that in an other video talking about Albert Heijn. They’re both owned by Dutch parent company Ahold.

[@Helpimnoob]

@@JanneWolterbeek Thank you. I must've missed that.

[@allws9683]

I miss the Aktie Maxi I had nearby in Groningen ! Of course there is the Action, but somehow Maxi was my favourite , for stationery, washing powder, some clothing accessories, dinner sets, some tools...

[@grapefruitinstrument1394]

HEMA is always great! Great prices, for decent stuff. Plus their apple pie is sooooo good. Shout out to: Action, Kruitvat, and Poiesz (don't think they have locations south of Zwolle)

[@dutchgamer842]

Poiesz is just regional

[@MartijnPennings]

If you needed some underpants, a frying pan, some paper clips, a bottle of wine, a beach ball, a birthday card and a smoked sausage, you could always depend on HEMA for all these things. I hate to be a downer, but to me, HEMA used to be great but isn't anymore. More and more stores are turning into supermarkets (Jumbo). Other stores have changed their inventory and design of the products have become pretty ugly. I don't know what happened but I'm definitely sad that HEMA has gone in the wrong direction. Nowadays I only come there if I need underpants.

[@dutchgamer842]

@@MartijnPennings that's cause Jumbo and some other bought HEMA

[@codex4046]

@@dutchgamer842 no, jumbo hasn't bought Hema. The owner of Jumbo has bought Hema. And the collaboration between the two started two or three years before the Jumbo family bought it.

[@lauriedepaurie]

@@dutchgamer842 looking at their products I think Poeisz is in the Plus/Coop group. Typically not the cheapest supermarkets, but generally a nice, slightly smaller shopping experience.

[@way.truth.life.]

Haha the Hema is super cute for sure :) I love Holland and Barrett 💗

[@pianogerb]

wow haha the picture you showed of the albert heijn is my local albert heijn.

[@bonsai67]

The best thing at the HEMA is (or maybe was, haven't had one for a while): the HEMA worst. As a kid I always loved to go to the HEMA with my parents and oma because I knew that after shopping was done we would always go get a halve worst. Back then they still had the big kettles in the store and you could smell the worst when you got closer to it. How I loved to sink my teeth in that juicy, tasty hot worst on our way home. Yummie!

[@Kailhun]

I love going to tuincentra. De Bosrand, Intratuin, Overvecht, Tuinextra. It's a bit sad for the plants though. My thumb is becoming greener, but still has black parts. And every Christmas I buy pretty shinies I don't need. With light and sound if possible.

[@AlexSeesing]

Thank you for your share. It reminds me what I should get rid of as it was a gift by ***** bought at ***** I need more disposal credits this year....

[@margavanasperen1358]

Did you know that HEMA is an abbriviation for Hollandse Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam? So very Dutch indeed, they started selling products for standard prices. Like 10, 25 and 50 cents.

[@RFGfotografie]

You need to go to Intratuin in Christmas periods, like Zevenhuizen and/or Duiven, it's like a miniature christmas wonderland, also it sells fireworks then :P

[@RFGfotografie]

Awesome video :)

[@MrJimheeren]

Scotch and Soda is an amazing store, I always find clothing there that fits just right. Also, they are not too expensive especially for the quality you get

[@jeroenfigee]

If you ever are in Rotterdam ... Try the Hema in the Centre of Rotterdam. It is next to the 'koopgoot'/beurstraverse. The Hema there has 3 floors and a restaurant !! You are gonna love it there :-) . Thumbs up + subscribed.

[@chrislaarman7532]

Yes, I can imagine, Ava. :-) Without having read any preceding comments: 1) I can't remember ever having visited an Intratuin or Sissy Boy (and what was the other?) shop. 2) Albert Heijn has become the market leader in the Netherlands, rightly so, but I seldom visit one. 3) Yes, HEMA seems on track to resume their long-gone combination of a clever assortment at affordable prices with (wherever applicable) a great design. (Women can judge the underwear appeal.) HEMA provided much of the stuff I bought when starting to live on my own. In recent years, I have found a replacement in the Lidl webshop (the Dutch edition, much smaller than the German one, but an eye opener to those who associate Lidl with supermarkets only.

[@myrrhsense]

A few years ago I went to Barcelona Spain with my dad and sister, and we suddenly encountered a Hema. Was so excited 😂

[@wisecat.]

I love love love the Febo. Especially their snacks "vitaaltje' and 'speciaaltje.' Oh my god, it's so delicious. The fries at Febo is so good as well. And their milkshakes? Really a godsgift. Way better than Mcdonalds. Absolutely mouth-watering .

[@noorkymmell1816]

you should try dille and kamille as well such a fun store

[@raatroc]

You really have to talk about that flattened fox on your couch now!

[@RFGfotografie]

Albert Heijn has the hamsters :P They are so fun :P

[@jeroent5079]

Haha, you describe the Albert Heijn as a place that efficiently moves people through their store as quickly as possible. In my village, it is a public secret that people dress up when they go to the Albert Heijn because they may run into friends and acquaintances. If you want the latest gossip, go to the Albert Heijn. It is not just a shopping experience, but also a social experience (with coffee in the center of the store). But you couldn’t know that, you live in a city 😉

[@DutchAmericano]

Oh, wow, I guess this doesn't surprise me, but I of course had no idea!

[@bartlucassen9145]

I love the cappuccino and machiato from the Hema and from time to time a sandwich!

[@jpdj2715]

For your size and clothing, try France and Italy. Paris is only 550km on average from the NL. Forget size numbers. You'll be relatively tall (at 171.45 cm) there, but my perception is you may have a better fit. True or not for you, there is an excuse in here to make a trip to these destinations :)

[@eline.de.allerbeste]

Among my friends I'm known as the Dutch person who always goes to the HEMA. We have a few of them here in Vienna, and I just go there to get Dutch food and general things for the house and stuff. Sad thing is they don't have everything here that they have back home.

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

No friends or family in the Netherlands to send something to you?

[@eline.de.allerbeste]

@@gert-janvanderlee5307 sometimes, yes :)

[@gert-janvanderlee5307]

@@eline.de.allerbeste Mooi. Lijken me leuke pakjes om te krijgen als je in het buitenland woont.

[@palantir135]

Groenrijk is where I go to for plants AH and Aldi. C&A and Zeeman for clothing Coolblue Action and Hema.

[@eefneleman9564]

I just heard the Red Bull Racing F1 cook say he likes FEBO too, so... You're eating the food of the chef of champions!

[@frdml01]

Surely you HAVE to try the MacKroket from MacDonalds. Only available in the Netherlands. If you like "broodje kroket", you will love the MacKroket too. Whenever I'm in the Netherlands I have to get me at least one.

[@JanneWolterbeek]

Also, a direct competitor to Intratuin is Groenrijk, which is just as good and they also have a ton of stuff for pets.

[@ashleyftcash]

You say Groenrijk, I think Ranzijn. I actually never been/seen to Groenrijk. If I ever come across one, I will visit (and go straight to the pets department).

[@JanneWolterbeek]

@@ashleyftcash Never heard of Ranzijn, maybe they are only local? Could be same with Groenrijk, which we have in Middelburg.

[@problu9586]

Target is my main department store in USA, except my last 3 bicycles bought there were poorly assembled and damaged. Don't recall visiting a department store during a visit to the Netherlands, just various grocery stores for food items, tagging along with Dutch friends.

[@JasperJanssen]

Department stores are pretty much dead here. V&D was *the* department store over here, like Sears I guess, and they went the same way of Sears. There’s still the Bijenkorf, more equivalent to like Macy’s or so - pretty high end.

[@daniquewesterveld]

Having moved to England in 2015, I never realised until seeing this video how much I miss some of these stores. Particularly Hema.

[@PeterAse]

Hard to imagine the netherlands without the albert heijn. Its expensive but it has some stuff other supermarkets dont have, and the stores look prettier than other. They also offer discount cards u can reuse for different items each week. Its a good store.

[@mariadebake5483]

I agree

[@dutchgamer842]

It's not expensive, it's average price nowadays, compared to other grocery stores the pro prices are about the same. (Dirk, Hoogvliet and Deka aren't all over the country) Aldi and Lidl don't sell the same products AH, Jumbo and Plus are all over the country and AH & Jumbo are the major ones, that make the price ranges every other store follows if they want to or not. If AH of Jumbo decides a liter of this brand will be 70ct but other stores sell it for €1,30 the other stores have to lower it as well, even if they don't want to or can't afford it, AH is doing it's prijzen oorlog over and over. So they aren't that expensive

[@johannadejong9870]

Absolutely right about clothing sizes in North America. I’m a Dutchie living in Canada and can never find pants that are long enough for me. (1.75). Everything here is based on women of 1.65 or 1.67. Same for shoes! Guess what I buy when I’m back home.

[@edwardeduardus7398]

I was only waiting you mentioned the HEMA :D . It's an icon! You call tompouce or rookworst (and they also have the vegetarian one called "ook worst" :brilliant name, hihi). FEBO is faster-food: No queues and waiting time at all like Mac or BK! Have you been to Japan: They bring food vending machines to the extreme.Smullers is crap btw...

[@Justthisrode]

At first I thought “5 dutch stories I can’t live without" and it’s actually interesting)))

[@frankvanleeuwen2943]

The Hema for me is " Rookworst ". As a kid i did not care about the Hema but my mom always bought me half a Rookworst so i went with her...😆

[@chaoticgoodgh0st286]

Tip: If you're ever at HEMA & they do pastries & warm 'broodjes', buy a 'saucijzenbroodje'. There's a HEMA at the train station near my college & I recently bought one on my way home. 😄😇

[@dutchgamer842]

I useally get the saucijzenbroodjes inside the store instead of the snack corner. They are cheaper if go inside the store to the bakery department

[@chaoticgoodgh0st286]

@@dutchgamer842 ok goed om te weten 😅

[@msbluejayway]

I always buy my socks at the Hema :)

[@frankhooper7871]

In the UK garden centres are also the best places for Christmas decoration shopping too [IMHO]. When I holiday in the Netherlands [soon again. I hope] the Albert Heijn is my go-to for "souveniers" - why buy expensive cheese from a tourist trap when AH is cheaper and has a better selection? Stroopwafels too...and chocolate. The HEMA reminds me _a bit_ of Ikea once you get past the furniture. Yeah, I love it too - wish they'd come here.

[@InWeCome]

Sure the Dutch like fast food but not the insane portion size that you have in the US. While the AH is organized very efficiently, it's such a comfortable place to do groceries. I sometimes look forward to shopping there and don't mind spending extra time in there. Also if you only buy Bonus products they are cheaper than Aldi.

[@ivo215]

If you like Intratuin, you'll like Eurofleur. They're not a chain, it's just the one place in Leusden. But it's worth the visit.

[@ex0stasis72]

Speaking of keeping plants alive. You might try out air plants. The most common cause of air plants dying is over-watering. So inaction and forgetfulness is not likely a lethal mistake for those plants.

[@nemuamidabatsu]

Have you watched the documentary about HEMA? It's al about that gezelligheid experience!

[@MultiArrie]

Hema, always decent quality for good prices.

[@Lillith.]

There are two Dutch store chains I can't live without. Intratuin and Simon Lévelt. There are many local places I can't live without.

[@Diegotheparrot]

I get the Febo and Smullers part. At Mc Donald's you need to order and wait a minute or so.. At Febo and Smullers on the other hand: It's right there! Take it!

[@wallyjansen898]

Hello dutch americano, I don't know if you are Eva or Ava or what name. The obesity problem in the U. S. comes from the big portions they serve everywhere. The Febo is nice and we are used to get our snacks out of a wall. Hema is synoniem to Dutch quality stuff. Make-up is very good and underwear , but we do love the Hema, you are right there , it was almost a riot when they threatened to close.

[@pebertje]

01:55 "When i moved here i started to get some more space" ... how funny, we (i'm Dutch) thought EVERYTHING was bigger in the US.. 😎😎😎 Btw... HEMA: Hollandse Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam founded in 1926...

[@basvanderwerff2725]

what i find so wierd about the mac and burger king is it is mostly if not all burger based, they got nothing like frikandel, kroket, bami schijf kaassoufle berehap ect ect, it whould have been sad ye if we lost the hema a couple of years ago we allready lost the V&D wich was a similar type of store

[@caylahcolonia]

Where did you get this cool crocheted fox 🤩🤩🤩

[@bobbieboothroyd8531]

if I ever go into a McDonald's I always feel stressed by the time I come out. Its to loud. no give me a cafe or a sandwich shop any day. anther great video

[@Antoon55]

You missed the F1 in Zandvoort!

[@RDLondon2023]

Try dille&kamille you will love it!

[@MarceldeJong]

About the HEMA, there was even a crowdfunding to keep HEMA Dutch and out of the hands of foreign investors.

[@regntonne]

I like Febo because there is no human interaction if you don't feel like it. Same as self-checkout grocery stores, where you can just keep enjoy listening to your music.

[@swiss8654]

In wich city do you live??? Maybe I can point you to some stores that I love Do love that you mention Intratuin, didn't expect that, haha 💚 Btw your channel reminds me so much of Casey Kilmore's channel 😅

[@penwithoutasword9459]

Happy 2 year anniversary!

[@DutchAmericano]

Thank you!

[@penwithoutasword9459]

@@DutchAmericano PS I noticed you saying 'ankles' with a Dutch accent 😁

[@Whistler4u]

My wife is from Indonesia and she has the same HEMA sentiment as you.

[@willemh3319]

scotch and soda is in hoofddorp along the spoorlaan

[@nelsonkaiowa4347]

I love Intratuin. Mostly for the smells and atmosphere...

[@Alvicatchannel]

Last month I went to Intratuin for the very first time to buy cat grass.

[@MelissaPressler]

Just a friendly comment on Walmart sizing - all US brands do "vanity sizing" based on their target consumer. That's why a S at Walmart is more of a M. And at an Anthropologie, sizes also run a bit bigger because they are targeting women 30-60 years old. At a Madewell, you will see smaller sizes because they are targeting that average 20 year old 5'4" consumer as you suggested. It all just depends on the brand specifically. Your point is 100% accurate that the NL is perfect for you if you're taller since Dutch brands are targeting a taller demographic. Cheers!

[@DutchAmericano]

Absolutely true-cheers!

[@chubbymoth5810]

Funny in China it was the other way around. Labels seemed to be indicative at best. The only thing I could get there was undies and shorts. Pants were ten centimeters short, sleeves stopped 6 centimenters before my pulse. And yeah,.. shoes were quite a challenge as well.

[@ronaldglider]

I left NL almost 4 decades ago. When I visit, I go to Smullers and Albert H. I never missed the HEMA, which I consider a cheap-junk store

[@ronmeijer1305]

ha, ha ,ha nothing to ad , good summary

[@leostouthart8289]

Hi Eva i am surprise that in the U.S are not stores like Febo Come whe go to the U.S. and start this concept!

[@peteroosterheerd3321]

Did you know HEMA stands for Hollandse Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam, because every item originally costed 10 or 50 cents? And that it was modeled after America's Woolworths penny shops?

[@KnoakLIfe]

Eva you need to make a brand about gezellig experience. exctra i love to hear you say gezellig 😂😂😂😂

[@marcusfranconium3392]

Big diference with amercian fast food and dutch snack bars , one you go for a meal ,lunch dinner etc Febo and other snackbars are there for a quick snack . TIme and eficiency .

[@jackvandersluis1723]

Hi Eva, slowly but surely you are becomming a Dutch girl! 🤗👍

[@legomattie3295]

My daughter works at the Hena. Not in Utrecht though. And if you like Febo I feel sorry you missed Charlie Shu. Also food out of the wall, but "asian". It dissapeared out of the city centre some years ago. There is still a restaurant in Overvecht though.

[@JasperJanssen]

The Overvecht location doesn’t have a wall any more, though. It’s basically a McDonald’s but with asianish food.

[@martinvandenboorn]

the albert hein is a really really expensive shop... jumbo is much better... especially for your purse :P

[@WindmillChef]

Little ironic, a garden store in a country where no one has a yard. What I miss in the US (compared to Holland) is people having lots of indoor plants in their living rooms. A prank that we sometimes pulled at Dutch train stations, as teenagers, was buying a "gehaktbal" from the heated wall, grab it, but hold the little door open, take a bite from the meatball, then place it back into the tray in the wall with the bite taken out pointing to the rear where a future purchaser cannot see it. HEMA gerookte worst, !nuff said! (I know you are a vegetarian, but...)

[@TheEvertw]

In the book "The Undutchables" they talk about the "Dutch Jungle" ;-)

[@aav36nl]

i think joure headsponsor is ah konings amsterdamsestraatweg in utrecht

[@gerbentvandeveen]

On Saterdays there is a markt whit more than a 100 stands at the UNESCO hauber of Spakenburg. In the middel of the Netherlands. Whit a bike ferry to Center Parks de Eemhof in the provincie of Flevoland. Greetings from Spakenburg The Netherlands Gerben T.

[@carpor911]

My father used to go to the FEBO after meeting my mother before they got married. Dad 1926 Mom 1931 both born in A'dam just like my hole family.

[@hardanheavy]

I moved away from the NL 20 years ago and am happy in my new country. But there is stuff and stores I still miss somewhat (I can live without them, but yeah, nostalgia. And well, I have to xD ) and that I raid when I visit the old country. AH (a thousand different types of vla, roze koeken, stroopwafels, gevulde koeken, ontbijtkoek) Snacks, I don't mind much about the brand (friet speciaal, omg) Market stands (haring, kibbeling, oliebollen) Jamin, for the dropjes (zachte drop, engelse drop, dubbelzoute drop) and other sugarbombs. Chinese-Indonesian restaurants. Saté just doesn't taste the same elsewhere.

[@janvanrenselaar5998]

Hopjesvla i would kill somebody for it,just to speak.Pull something out of the wall like at Febo. Dropjes,kilo,s i buy when i am in holland. Last week payed euro 7.50 for a medium bag of muntendrop,but they were so good. And Tompoezen

[@VeryFastRodi]

Hema rookworst has always been the best

[@ifer1280]

Oh, you should watch 'HEMA de musical'!