Sales in Amsterdam

Biannual sales in Amsterdam

It is interesting to note that unlike many other countries, sales in Amsterdam are neither a year-round occurence nor an end of season clearance event. In fact, there are specific periods allocated to them throughout the year and the locals typically plan a lot of their major shopping to take place during these windows of time. January and July are the key months to remember, when most of the shops run clearance sales offering huge discounts. These two highlights of the retail calendar can quite straightforwardly be categorised into winter and summer sales. The sales periods might be worth keeping in mind when planning a trip to this beautiful city, especially if you are partial to a spot of retail therapy. Even if you are not a chronic shopper, making the most of massive discounts on superior quality goods never hurt anyone! Everyone can surely agree that getting more for less is a good, practical move and something worth pouncing on.

Huge discounts at branded stores

During these key months, most of the shop windows in Amsterdam will have posters and displays with large, bold writing that spells out "opruiming" (clearance), "uitverkoop" (sale), "korting" (discount) or simply "sale". Look out for these and you can expect to find up to 70% off the regular prices at nearly every store, including branded shops and luxury labels. Entire high street shopping thoroughfares get involved in the sales, including the posh and upscale Cornelis Schuytstraat, Nine Streets, Utrechtsestraat and Haarlemmerstraat. These popular areas – and even streets that are not too crowded for the rest of the year – see an influx of shoppers who flock to get the best deals on clothes, shoes, bags, accessories, perfumes and other fashion goods before stocks run out. However, do not let this deter you from joining the shopping spree – the crowds of people simply add to the fun and festive experience.

Find further discounts in already cheap outlets

Another point worth elaborating on is the fact that sales in Amsterdam are not limited exclusively to high street fashion brands. The great thing is that the discounts also extend to affordable stores and bargain outlets including department stores. This is an opportunity to find unimaginable deals at places that are already cheap to begin with! One such delight is HEMA, which is famed for the bargain breakfast available at its café. The astonishingly low prices at this department store are slashed even further during discount seasons, which is a joy for shoppers. Explore what's on offer and find great deals on everything from homeware to food and books. HEMA prides itself on developing and selling unique, home-made products that won't be found anywhere else. During sales, these will be available at the best possible prices.
The main sales in Amsterdam occur twice a year, although it is worthwhile to mention that end of season sales have started to make more of an appearance in the city in recent years. These are most frequent at fashion stores and international chains. The department store of De Bijenkorf also holds an extensive sale during the month of September. Therefore, if you are unable to make it to Amsterdam in time for the main winter or summer sales, don't be completely disheartened as there are bound to be other bargains available. These shorter and smaller sales cannot compete with the major biannual periods, of course, but something is better than nothing!

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Author: Lana de Wit

Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky

My name is Lana de Wit, Guest Relations Manager at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky. Together with the Guest Relations and Guest Services team we are making sure that all guests are having the best experience at our hotel and look after their special requests, celebrations and expectations. I get energy out of solving problems and striving for the best there is possible and I love the fact that every day is different and full of surprises. I always wanted to work at Krasnapolsky since I was a little girl, so being able to work here the past years has been a dream together with my fantastic colleagues. My biggest mission is to let every guest leave with extraordinary stories and unforgettable memories to take home. I look forward to welcoming you here in Amsterdam to give you the true Anantara experience!