A Guide to Shopping in the Netherlands

Aweh, guys!

So, since I have been in the Netherlands for nearly seven months now, I would say that I am a pretty good authority on the shopping scene in terms of groceries and household items. I wish that I had had a guide like this when we first arrived so hopefully this can be helpful to some of you and I will try my best to give a South African equivalent if one exists and I will try to stick to the most common stores. Without further ado…

Albert Heijn

For groceries we usually use Albert Heijn (there is a debate where to say Hine or Hain – we say Hine) as there is one a stone’s throw away from our apartment. They have all the usual suspects like bread, milk and eggs and our coveted Dutch specialities like stroopwafels and Chocomel. They are usually on the smaller side and not all stores have the same inventory, but they are considered higher quality than other stores. They are definitely a welcome relief if you need to dash out for a forgotten ingredient.

Department: Groceries
South African equivalent: Woolworths

Jumbo

Another grocery store. Jumbo (pronounced Yum-bo) is closer to what South Africans expect with a vast array of products at generally cheaper prices. We like coming here for our meat as their steaks are on par with what we used to get in SA. Some of the nicer Jumbos have deli counters and cafeteria seating with ready to go meals perfect for a pick-me-up during lunch hour.

Department: Groceries
South African equivalent: Food Lovers Market or Pick ‘n Pay

Aldi/Lidl

Both of these basically have the same concept. Low cost groceries operating under operational efficiencies. They cut costs by leaving items in their display packaging to minimize staff and the brands are generic. They also have a smaller selection of items than the average grocery store to maximize turnover. Some even carry surprising items like TVs and thermal immersion circulators. Not to sound snobbish, but they aren’t my favourite store but they are great if you have a budget as their prices are really low.

Department: Groceries and home goods
South African equivalent: There really isn’t one

Hema

Hema is a weird beast. It’s like a Woolworths had a baby with Typo with access to Rookworst (a really tasty smoked sausage and the best really does come from Hema) and Tompouce (basically custard slice with decoration depending on what’s being celebrated - you get it for free on your birthday). They sell clothing, home décor items, stationery, gifts, wine, snacks and some of them have a hot food counter but all of them have the Rookworst bin and Tompouce access.

The Rookworst Altar

Where else can you get Tompouce and Rookworst Christmas Ornaments?

Department: General home goods and purveyors of smoked sausage and custard slice
South African equivalent: A Woolies/Typo mishmash

Xenos

I bloody love Xenos. They sell the most random stuff in the vein of home goods. Throw pillow with a chameleon? Got you covered! A plaster of Paris cast for your pregnant belly? No problem! A toaster that imprints a Mickey silhouette onto your breakfast? Right this way! Incidentally, if you need general Dutch souvenirs on the cheap, this is the place to go.

Department: General home goods
South African equivalent: Crazy Store meets Typo meets @Home

Action

Speaking of Crazy Store, Action is probably the craziest. They sell EVERYTHING and their prices are really affordable. I get most of my craft supplies here but they sell cleaning goods, crockery, pet stuff, candy, tools, seasonal décor, bike paraphernalia and clothes. While the quality is sometimes questionable, the price definitely puts your mind at ease.

Department: ALL OF THEM (except groceries)
South African equivalent: Like a crazy Crazy Store

Kruidvat/Etos (also Normal)

If you need cosmetics, personal hygiene, cleaning supplies, hair care and over the counter meds, they have you covered. They are basically the same store but Etos feels a little classier than Kruidvat’s red and yellow colour scheme and their prices match that. They are also usually found within the same location so who knows what their marketing scheme is. Normal is another drugstore but I’ve only found one so far.

Department: Drugstore
South African equivalent: Clicks or Dischem

Blokker

If you need small home appliances like blenders, toasters and the like, there is Blokker. The only issue is if you want something on the cheaper end of the spectrum, it is usually sold out prompting you to buy something more expensive or leave empty handed. Hubby says that they “blok” you from buying what you want but sometimes you get lucky.

Department: Home goods and appliances
South African equivalent: Clicks or @Home

Gall & Gall

Ah, the prerequisite liquor store chain! No expat list would be complete without one. They are surprisingly well stocked with well known brands, lots of South African wine and some great suggestions if you are trying to replace your Klipdrift (Napoleon brandy isn’t bad).
Department: Liquor store
South African equivalent: Liquor City/Tops

Gamma

When you have accidentally dented your flimsy drywall or clogged your tiny Dutch sink in the WC, Gamma will be there to assist. They have everything you need to build, repair and DIY. It’s basically a copy paste of Builder’s Warehouse so there are no real surprises.

Department: Hardware store
South African equivalent: Builder’s Warehouse/Leroy Merlin

MediaMarkt

Last, but certainly not least, is MediaMarkt. They service all your large appliance and computer needs from Roomba vacuums to PC screens. Each one we’ve visited have been huge and well stocked and we will definitely pay them a visit the day we buy a TV. They also have an onsite repair centre if things go haywire.

Department: Consumer electronics
South African equivalent: HiFi Corporation/Incredible Connection