22 April 2020
The Weekly
Netherlands
Celebrates 150th AnniversaryCelebrates 150th Anniversary

Based on notarial data, on 23rd March 1870, Abraham Salomon Polak, a merchant, and Simon Philip Goudsmit, securities broker, set up the company Polak & Goudsmit, then converting the brand into de Bijenkorf. De Bijenkorf has grown into the oldest department store in the Netherlands with seven branches throughout the country and web stores. This year, de Bijenkorf takes its customers on a journey through history with the release of a book, specially designed shop windows and special events for customers. 150 brands make a unique version of their most iconic product.

The first future classics from, among others, Claudia Sträter, Daily Paper, Diamond Point, KitchenAid, Kurt Geiger, Mason Garments, Vanilia and Wandler will be available in a limited edition. De Bijenkorf also looks ahead in its anniversary year and expresses the ambition to have the full range of more sustainable brands in 2025. In addition, de Bijenkorf continues to recycle waste and all electricity that the department store uses comes from solar and wind energy.

On behalf of all IGDS Members, we would like to congratulate de Bijenkorf for this milestone and we wish great trading.