All vintage treasures at Het Kaufhaus

Sep 27, 2013 | by Sabrina | Fashion

About the author

Sabrina (who is old as fuck) has more energy than a Duracell bunny, and uses it to dance in the newest clubs, eat too much junk food, play all the videogames, examine apps and shop - even though she has more than enough clothes. Sorry Earth.

We like young people who aren’t scared to take a risk. As an Artmanagement student Kim (22) already took a sabbatical to work for an event organisation, but after the words ‘We can’t pay you any more’, she had two choices: “I could go and work at Albert Heijn, or make the dream of owning my own second-hand store a reality.” And that’s what she did, which we are all too pleased about because it gave Amsterdam a new gem with Het Kaufhaus.

A second(-hand) love

“My dad used to go to flea markets but I always thought ‘No thank you, I don’t need that old junk’, until I was 16 and a friend of mine said that it was exactly where we needed to go because we could buy way more clothes for the same amount of money.“ This all happened in Arnhem, “It was nice because there were loads of girls selling their old H&M clothing -which was familiar for me and a good way to transition into second-hand clothing. But there were also people selling those outrageous items.” So it wasn’t love at first sight for Kim and vintage clothing. The item that propelled this love was a pair of Timberland lookalikes, that she continued to wear all day long. After returning home with six full bags she was hooked.

You know those people all dressed up in shiny fabrics who are like: ‘Look at me, it’s all funky vintage, 300 euros!’, well what I’m wearing is all vintage too, 6 euros!

But don’t go thinking that this is the next Episode or Laura Dols. “The clothes at vintage shops are often from a certain period in time; rock ‘n roll, fifties or sixties.” Kim stays away from this, not just with her store but also with her own style. “I like to wear basics, but vintage ones. I’m not crazy with my style. You know those people dressed up in shiny fabrics who are like: ‘Look at me, it’s all funky vintage, 300 euros!’, well what I’m wearing is all vintage too, 6 euros!”

Kaufhaus -Kim

The collection is varied, from basic to items for the ‘shiners’. But not with a too hefty price tag, the limit is a decent 45 euros. “It’s not that we’re that cheap, just that the others are crazy expensive. I saw a coat at Episode that was 150 euros, I can buy two other jackets for that money!” she chuckles. But even the people who like outrageous coats or dresses can find something. “I sincerely believe that we have something for everybody here.”

Sharing is caring

And the ‘for everybody’ part doesn’t stop at the Netherlands. 51 percent of the profit will go to an African charity. That choice was easy, being affiliated with Humana. “I’ve been thinking about it, and companies should help others a little more. That ‘Sharing is Caring’ mentality, I like that. We read about a school for African women where they learn how to sow and sell the items they make in their own little shop. How awesome would it be if we can help them?!” Very awesome indeed.

In the meantime three friends will also be working in the store. “The lease is only for three months, and we’ll probably take a breather afterwards, maybe run an online store or move to Utrecht or Arnhem. We just don’t know and are living day by day now. First we have to see if it’s a success.”

The shop opened Wednesday and we were there. And I can assure you that you should check it out. Yes, men, even you. Amsterdam has got a great new shop, with owners that work with a great deal of enthusiasm.