Kroonenberg Groep has entered into a long-term lease agreement with The Sting for retail premises for The Sting, Costes and Cotton Club in De Kalverpassage in Amsterdam. The Sting leases a total of approximately 7,000 m², spread across the ground floor, basement and first floor.

A 7,000 m² department store called The Rasphouse will open here, bringing together all of The Sting Companies’ brands. To make room for the shops, several retail units in De Kalverpassage are being combined. The premises on Heiligeweg, which previously housed Nespresso, are being incorporated into the Kalverpassage. This will create a large new shop connected to The Sting’s existing shop. This extension will also create space to connect all three shops via internal passageways. The distinctive entrance to De Kalverpassage on Heiligeweg, also known as the old Rasphuispoort, will form part of these shops, providing direct access and giving the shop its name.

Herman Franzen of The Sting: “For us, this is a fantastic opportunity to pool and showcase our company’s strengths; we see this as a significant milestone for our business. We are a no-nonsense company that makes its own way in the fashion industry. With our own brands and our own retail formats, we enjoy doing our own thing. We’re grateful to Kroonenberg Groep for placing their trust in us so that, together, we can create something special.”

THE STING COMPANIES

Since 1982, The Sting has been a fixture on the Dutch high street and has grown to become one of the Netherlands’ most recognisable fashion retailers, with more than 50 shops. The company stands for no-nonsense fashion with character: on-trend, accessible and always with a distinct identity. With its own labels such as Daily Aesthetikz, Hallinger, Club République and O’Blue, The Sting continually develops collections that reflect current trends and the changing preferences of consumers. As well as The Sting, the portfolio includes brands such as Costes and Cotton Club.

Following this major refurbishment, The Sting, Costes and Cotton Club are expected to open their doors in the refurbished Kalverpassage in mid-2027.

This leaves just one retail unit available in the Kalverpassage, measuring approximately 1,900 m², of which 500 m² is on the ground floor and 1,400 m² is on the first floor.

KroesePaternotte is advising Kroonenberg Groep on lettings in the Kalverpassage.

Photo: The Sting Tilburg (illustrative image)

Amélie Strens, chair of the Centrum district in Amsterdam, unveiled a remarkable work of art last Wednesday: Old News by Ram Katzir. Commissioned by Kroonenberg Groep, the owner of the former Telegraaf building at Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 223–225, Katzir created a truly impressive work of art that does justice to the building’s rich history.

For Old News, Ram Katzir drew inspiration from Hildo Krop’s newspaper boys, who adorn the building’s distinctive tower.  With their elongated upper bodies and large hands, they symbolise listening to and spreading the news. Ram Katzir’s paperboy is perched high above the street, his feet dangling and a reflecting newspaper in his hand.

Whilst Hildo Krop’s paperboys spread the news, Katzir’s paperboy reflects the city of today. In the reflective surface of the newspaper, trams, cyclists, pedestrians and the city itself constantly become part of the artwork.

Positioned on the 5.14-metre-high portico, Old News is literally situated between the building and the city. The pale turquoise patina contrasts with the imposing façade, whilst the relective surface of the newspaper constantly captures new images of the surroundings. The work invites us to reflect on what we hold on to, what we let go of, and how quickly the present becomes history.

Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 223–225 was built between 1928 and 1930 as a printing works for De Telegraaf, designed by Jan Staal and Gerard Langhout. The building is an example of industrial heritage, with open-plan layouts, a direct connection to the street and an imposing façade.

Kroonenberg Groep has owned the building in Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal since 2016. Following the departure of the previous tenant Kasbank, work began on redeveloping the building to establish it as a new landmark in Amsterdam’s historic city centre. The first phase of the redevelopment resulted in 7,300 m² of high-quality office space spread over five floors. The new top floor of the listed building offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Guerrilla Games has been based at this location since 2018. This first phase restored the nationally listed building’s high-ceilinged hall to its former glory. In the second phase, the office space in De Pershal was completed; this is leased by Flexport. Previously, Kroonenberg Groep had commissioned impressive works of art for its developments, such as the sculpture Hendrik Petrus Berlage, 2023 by Xavier Veilhan, which has been installed next to the entrance to the office building at Apollolaan 171, and the artwork Hold The Presses by Streetart Frankey, which adorns the façade of the former Senefelder Printing Works at 56 Admiraal de Ruijterweg.

Kroonenberg Group has signed a long-term lease with Boekenvoordeel BV for a 132 m² retail unit at 42 Stationsstraat in Almere. This unit was created by merging the spaces previously occupied by Game Mania and Miss Elite. The tenancy agreement came into effect in mid-May and the shop is now open.

BoekenVoordeel is a proud family-run business that has been welcoming lovers of books, hobbies, films and TV series, games, puzzles and more since 1980. With almost 100 branches in the Netherlands and Belgium, BoekenVoordeel has now become the largest chain specialising in discounted books. Originally founded in Amsterdam, the company has grown into a successful retail chain, with branches in prime locations in both countries.

BoekenVoordeel’s core range comprises a wide selection of discounted books across various genres, such as novels, thrillers, travel books, children’s books and gift books. In addition, BoekenVoordeel also offers a wide range of hobby items, greeting cards, diaries, calendars and toys.

Kroonenberg Groep was advised in this transaction by Kroese Paternotte. Boekenvoordeel was represented by Jacobs Van der Meij.

Current tenant Wibra has renewed its lease on a long-term basis and expanded its current shop. Wibra is currently renting a 521 m² shop at Binnenban 271–273. The shop was expanded by incorporating the retail spaces at Binnenban 273 and Cloese 201. The refurbished shop has recently opened.

Chez Sense, formerly Sense of China, was already a tenant in the town centre, but has recently moved. Their new 1,085 m² restaurant is situated on the ground floor at Binnenban 7–13. Chez Sense is open for lunch and dinner. On the former site of Sense of China, the Kroonenberg Group will develop eight flats on the first floor, with the entrance on Middenbaan Noord, next to the LIDL.

Gift shop SwietArts was also previously a tenant in the town centre, but is now located at 89B Binnenban, next to Holland’ & ’ Barrett and Iper, having signed a new long-term agreement to rent approximately 140 m² of retail space.

Iper Megastore is a new tenant and has signed a long-term lease for a 1,640 m² shop at Binnenban 91A-B, next to KIK and SwietArts. Iper is a retail chain from Italy that sells non-food products at competitive prices.

The deposit refund shop will be renting 165 m² of retail space at Binnenban 178–180 from 1 April.   Following a short fit-out period, they will open their doors.

Kroonenberg Groep lets its retail space in the Hoogvliet Shopping Centre with the assistance of BRIQ.

Kroonenberg Group has signed multi-year leases with NEW YORKER and The Sting for retail spaces in the Barones in Breda. Both tenants will lease retail spaces spanning approx. 4,000 sq ft and comprising a ground floor, basement and first floor. The building, which was previously home to De Koopman, will be split up to create the new spaces.

NEW YORKER is an international fashion chain specialising in the latest trends in clothing and accessories for young people. The company was founded in 1971 in Germany and has experienced significant growth since. NEW YORKER presents new collections in its shops every season, ranging from casual wear to more formal garments and matching accessories. With over 1,300 stores in more than 45 countries, NEW YORKER is among Europe’s leading fashion companies.

A fixture on Dutch high streets since 1982, The Sting has become one of the most recognisable fashion retailers in the Netherlands and Belgium, with more than 50 shops. The company stands for no-nonsense fashion with character: on-trend, accessible and with a distinct identity. With its own brands such as Daily Aesthetikz, Hallinger, Club République and Amy & Ivy, The Sting continuously builds collections that respond to what is trending now.

The Sting has long been a familiar presence in the Barones for many years. By relocating to a new, larger location, the company is taking the next step to more space, a larger collection and, above all, a more immersive experience. The new shop can accommodate an expanded range, while offering a more pronounced brand experience and a contemporary shopping experience in line with The Sting’s energy and identity.

A branch of Costes will open its doors in The Sting’s current home. The leased premises comprise a retail unit of approximately 810 m² on the ground floor and 960 m² on the first floor. Costes stands for fashion with an elegant, fashionable, feminine, ready-to-wear style inspired by Parisian flair. After The Sting relocates, the premises will be remodelled and Costes will set up shop.

Kroonenberg Group is currently working on a full-scale redevelopment of the former De Koopman premises in De Barones shopping centre. In addition to the two retail spaces, 81 medium-rent flats will be built on the upper floors, accessed from Lange Brugstraat. Architect Paul de Ruiter, of the architectural firm of the same name, is involved in the project.

An existing retail unit on the Karrestraat entrance side will also be redeveloped. This process will include enclosing the open connection between the unit and the passage and incorporating the atrium into the retail unit to enhance the sense of brightness and space.

Kroonenberg Group has signed a long-term lease agreement with Gina Tricot for a retail unit at Kalverstraat 176 in Amsterdam. This will be Gina Tricot’s first brick and mortar shop in the Netherlands. The premises consist of approximately 325 sqm of retail space split between a ground floor and first floor. The storefront has been completely renovated and features a brand-new facade, resulting in an A++ energy label.

Gina Tricot is a leading Swedish fashion chain with a strong European retail network. The brand focuses on modern, elegant and accessible women’s fashion inspired by sustainability and contemporary Scandinavian style.

The lease commenced 1 January 2026, with the shop opening its doors at the end of March. Kroonenberg Groep was assisted by KroesePaternotte in this transaction. Gina Tricot was assisted by The Martin Retails Properties.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with several tenants for office space within the Unitz Premium concept at Apollolaan 171 in Amsterdam.

New tenants on the 2nd floor include: Larendael, an investor in sustainable, innovative and challenging projects and concepts and ABF Energy, a supplier of low-carbon fuels for shipping, road transport and aviation.

Tenants Necron and Buma Algera have extended their existing leases. Necron is leasing an additional 172 m2 on the first floor. Buma Algera is expanding its office space by 220 m2 on the ground floor.

These transactions represent a total of 1,160 m2 of leased office space. Some 1,280 m2 are still available for lease within the UNITZ Premium concept. The high-quality, self-contained office spaces have shared facilities such as meeting rooms with video conferencing capabilities, silence booths and a modern kitchenette with space for communal lunch, for example. Every detail has been carefully crafted to create a stylish, functional workspace. Claudio Varone was responsible for the design, and Ditt officemakers handled the finishing.

Kroonenberg Groep is being advised in the leasing of Apollolaan 171 by CBRE, Van Dijk & Ten Cate, and Dils.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with several tenants for new leases in the Gelderlandplein shopping centre. Extensions to existing leases were also concluded with some tenants.

Agreement was reached with Skins Cosmetics for a new long-term lease. Skins was already a tenant on the square but moved to the location formerly occupied by Douglas. The leased property concerns a retail space of 235 m2 on the ground floor and 217 m2 in the basement. Skins is further expanding its services in this new shop.

Daily Flowers has moved into the retail space formerly occupied by Skins. Daily Flowers has been a tenant at Gelderlandplein for two years and was looking for a larger shop to further expand their range. The new shop occupies 120 m2 on the ground floor and 26 m2 on the mezzanine level. After a brief renovation, the new shop is now open.

Daily Flowers’ old retail space has been leased to Ondersteboven Puck. The leased property involves a shop of 76 m2. Ondersteboven Puck is a contemporary children’s clothing shop featuring brands such as Feetje, Tumble ‘N Dry and Jacky Sue. In addition to clothes, the shop also offers a variety of slippers and boots, gifts and accessories. The shop will open its doors in June after renovation.

Mr Marvis is also going to expand on the square. The existing retail space will be extended into a new 105 m2 shop on the ground floor and 67 m2 in the basement. To realise this shop, the adjacent retail unit, which until recently housed Oliodiolivo, will be incorporated into the existing shop. The new shop is expected to open around 1 April.

Finally, Van Os Tassen en Koffers has moved into Gelderlandplein. The shop occupies around 120 m2 and is located in the former Hunkemöller premises. Van Os Tassen en Koffers offers a wide range of stylish and functional bags, suitcases and accessories. From a luxury handbag to a practical rucksack or a durable travel case from top brands such as Samsonite, Tumi, SuitSuit, Castelijn & Beerens, Secrid, Coach, and Eastpak.

Kroonenberg Groep is advised on the leasing of Gelderlandplein by KroesePaternotte.

After more than 20 years, Olaf Nieuwenhuis has decided to leave Kroonenberg Groep to pursue his career outside the company. Olaf joined the company in October 2005 and has since held the role of Director of Project Development, in which he was responsible for many leading projects within our organisation.

He began his career at Kroonenberg Groep during the redevelopment of The Bank on Rembrandtplein in Amsterdam. The subsequent years were marked by several successful projects, including the Gelderlandplein, Barones, Hilvertshof and Kalverpassage shopping centres, as well as the realisation of Q Residences. Olaf also played a key role in the redevelopment of Huys at 404 Park Avenue South in New York.

We are very grateful to Olaf for his years of dedication and valuable contribution to the growth and development of Kroonenberg Groep. We wish him every success in his further career.

After Olaf’s departure, the management of Kroonenberg Groep consists of
Lesley Bamberger, Paul Bremmer and Paul de Lange.

Kroonenberg Groep has reached agreement with POP MART for a long-term lease at Nieuwendijk 219-227 in Amsterdam. The leased property comprises a retail space of approximately 300 m2 and a basement space of approximately 95 m2.

The new brand store, which opened this morning, is an S-level store: the highest and most comprehensive shop format within POP MART’s international retail concept, and the first of its kind in the Netherlands. The opening of this S-level store highlights POP MART’s ever-growing popularity in the Netherlands. This new location provides more space to present collections and releases and an even more intense brand experience for loyal collectors and new fans of designer toys and pop culture.

POP MART is a fast-growing global player in pop culture and entertainment. With a mission to celebrate everyday moments and inspire creativity, the brand brings designer toys and immersive experiences to life. Since its launch in 2010, POP MART has grown from niche designer toy brand to international cultural phenomenon, with more than 500 stores in 30 countries and a diverse global fan base ranging from millennial collectors to artists and celebrities.

The lease commenced on 1 October 2025 and the store opened today.

Kroonenberg Groep was assisted in this transaction by KroesePaternotte. Pop Mart was assisted by Cushman & Wakefield.