Newcomers to the area may be confused by Sunday shopping regulations in the Netherlands. Times are changing, and many of the cities allow stores to be open on Sunday at their own discretion. For up to date information check www.koopzondagen.net.
Sunday shopping in Hilversum
Many shops have started opening on a Sunday in Hilversum from 12 - 5pm. You will find especially around Christmas and other holidays that most are open and will have extended hours.
For more information see: www.centrumhilversum.nl. The following stores are open every Sunday:
Supermarkets
- Albert Heijn - Langestraat, Seinstraat and Kapittelweg
- Plus - Oosterengweg
- Jumbo - Larenseweg
- Lidl - Lorentzweg
- Hoogvliet - Seinstraat
Check individual store websites for opening times as these vary. Most open on Sunday at least between the hours of 1pm to 6pm.
Convenience stores (limited selection)
Albert Heijn To Go - Central Station Hilversum, opening hours 9am - 11pm Sunday
Spar - s-Gravelandseweg 28-30, opening hours 10am - 8pm Sunday
Petrol Stations
Open 8am-10pm Sundays
Shopping Outside Hilversum
New arrivals in the area will surely want to head for Ikea. There are three within easy driving distance: Utrecht, Amersfoort and Amsterdam Zuid (near the Arena). Beside Amersfoort Ikea you will find Loods 5, latest trends to be found here for furniture and decor. If you have not yet discovered Nijhof in Baarn, do so before you begin remodelling.
Amsterdam
In general, shopping hours in Amsterdam are 1-6pm on Mondays and 10-6pm Tuesday to Friday. Most have late night shopping on Thursday until 9pm. Downtown Amsterdam has full Sunday Shopping every Sunday from 12-5pm. Also the shops around the Amsterdam Arena including Media Markt (electronics superstore) and Decathlon (camping / sporting superstore) are open every Sunday and have convenient parking.
Utrecht
Downtown is open regular hours with late night shopping until 9pm on Thursday and 12-5pm. Sunday shopping at the retailers’ discretion so it is best to check individual websites. Hoog Catharijne is a recently renovated indoor mall convenieniently located just meters from Utrecht Centraal train station. With a wide range of well known stores it is a very popular shopping location. Its opening hours are Mon 12pm - 8pm, Tues to Sat 10am - 8pm and Sundays 12pm - 6pm.
Almere
The stores and business in Almere are permitted to open 7 days a week, Sunday hours are from 12-5pm. This includes DIY stores and many others. Almere is 30km from Hilversum.
Lelystad
Bataviastad Fashion Outlet Mall is worth the drive. Guaranteed a full day of family shopping. Open all week from 10am. On Saturday and Sunday it closes at 8pm. If your children are tired of shopping, the Batavia Yard close by is definitely worth a visit for young and old (www.bataviawerf.nl) so check for opening hours.
Internet Shopping
Logistics is one of the Netherlands biggest industries and it is therefore unsurprising that deliveries to the home here are fast and reliable. From Zalando.nl for shoes and Bol.com for books and white goods to the local Amazon.nl, you will find many local suppliers. Albert Heijn will deliver groceries to your house if you wish. If you are not home at the time of delivery the logistics company will often leave the package with your neighbour if they are home. Make sure you get to know your neighbours.
The Market
Long term residents of Hilversum plan a weekly trip to the market (open Saturdays and Wednesdays and located on the Naarderstraat where Groest ends). The Market Square is totally renovated and worth a visit. A Food Hall and the Gooische Bierbrouwerij are located in the old cinema building.
Plan a Saturday morning in the market where you will find a large selection of nearly everything you buy in supermarkets, fresher, with greater selection and at mostly lower prices.
You will find one or more stalls selling the following:
- Cheese
- Produce (fruit and vegetables)
- Meat and fresh fish
- Flowers
- Bread
- Clothing
Information on markets in the Netherlands can be found at:
⫘ www.hollandsemarkten.nl