{"id":2533,"date":"2025-04-19T18:12:14","date_gmt":"2025-04-19T16:12:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/?p=2533"},"modified":"2025-04-19T18:12:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-19T16:12:14","slug":"dutch-store-equivalents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/?p=2533","title":{"rendered":"The Dutch Target (and Other Equivalents): Finding Familiar Stores in the Netherlands"},"content":{"rendered":"

The first time I walked into HEMA, I thought, Oh. This is it. This is the Dutch version of Target.<\/em><\/p>\n

I was just there for a few basics\u2014some pens, a candle, a clothes rack (my apartment came with a washer, but not a dryer)\u2014but I left with a quiet sense of comfort. Not because it was exactly like Target (it wasn\u2019t), but because it gave me that same feeling: a place to browse, to gather up a few affordable things I didn\u2019t quite realize I needed, and to get a tiny hit of normalcy.<\/p>\n

When you move to the Netherlands, everyday errands are where culture shock can sneak in hardest. You need toothpaste, socks, a frying pan\u2014and suddenly, you don\u2019t know where to go. There\u2019s no Walgreens, no Target, no REI. But there are<\/em> Dutch equivalents. They just take a little discovering.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a field guide to some of the most helpful store comparisons I\u2019ve found so far\u2014not a complete shopping manual (that\u2019s coming in a future guide), but a starting point for finding your rhythm here.<\/p>\n

\n

HEMA<\/a> = Target meets Bed Bath & Beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s affordable, well-designed, and distinctly Dutch. You can pick up towels, stationery, socks, basic skincare, home goods, and those iconic little tompouce pastries. It\u2019s got seasonal charm (yes, even Easter decor), and while the stores are smaller than Target, the vibe is similarly comforting.<\/p>\n

\n

Action<\/a> = Dollar Tree meets Aldi<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you love a bargain bin, this is your spot. Action is chaotic in the best way\u2014prices are incredibly low, the stock changes constantly, and you\u2019ll leave with a basket of things you didn\u2019t come in for. Cleaning supplies, craft stuff, cheap snacks, office items, pet gear\u2014it\u2019s all there.<\/p>\n

\n

Xenos<\/a> = World Market meets TJ Maxx<\/strong><\/p>\n

Quirky, colorful, and a little unpredictable. Xenos leans into home decor, dishes, seasonal items, and candles. You\u2019ll find boho mugs next to Moroccan lanterns next to that spatula you needed three weeks ago. It\u2019s fun, affordable, and always worth a wander.<\/p>\n

\n

Kruidvat<\/a> \/ Etos<\/a> = Walgreens \/ CVS<\/strong><\/p>\n

Your go-to for shampoo, ibuprofen, deodorant, drugstore makeup, vitamins, and sometimes even socks or toys. Kruidvat is the chaotic twin\u2014always on sale, a little crowded, a little dusty \u2013 the kind of drugstore where you can get vitamins AND toilet cleaner. Etos is cleaner, calmer, slightly more upscale, and seems to a more traditional definition of \u201cdrugstore.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n

Albert Heijn<\/a> = Whole Foods lite \/ Trader Joe\u2019s hybrid<\/strong><\/p>\n

AH is everywhere, well-stocked, and a little polished. Not the cheapest grocery store, but reliable, organized, and full of Dutch staples. Store-brand items are usually great quality, and it\u2019s the easiest place to start until you get the hang of the other chains. You\u2019re going to see the AH sign everywhere you go.<\/p>\n

\n

Jumbo<\/a> = Safeway or Kroger<\/strong><\/p>\n

A more traditional, sometimes family-oriented supermarket. Bigger stores, broader selection, often slightly lower prices than AH. Jumbo tends to have better deals on bulk items and is easier to navigate if you\u2019re shopping for more than one.<\/p>\n

\n

Lidl<\/a> \/ Aldi<\/a> = Still Lidl and Aldi, but a different vibe<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you know these from the States, you\u2019ll recognize them here\u2014though the brands and store layouts will feel more European. Great for produce, pantry staples, and anyone on a tighter budget.<\/p>\n

\n

Coolblue<\/a> = Best Buy with personality<\/strong><\/p>\n

An online-first electronics retailer that feels shockingly pleasant to use. Fast delivery, excellent customer service, and cheeky branding that actually lands. Great for appliances, laptops, and accessories.<\/p>\n

\n

MediaMarkt<\/a> = Big-box Best Buy \/ old-school Circuit City<\/strong><\/p>\n

Huge, slightly overwhelming, but reliable. If you need a television, hairdryer, or washing machine today, this is where you go. The in-store experience is more sterile than Coolblue, but sometimes you want to see it in person.<\/p>\n

\n

Zeeman<\/a> \/ Wibra<\/a> = Old Navy meets Dollar General<\/strong><\/p>\n

Budget clothing, household basics, work uniforms, kids\u2019 gear. Zeeman is better known, often surprisingly decent quality for the price. Great for stocking up on the basics.<\/p>\n

\n

Decathlon<\/a> = REI meets Dick\u2019s, but cheaper<\/strong><\/p>\n

Everything from workout gear to camping equipment to paddleboards. It\u2019s practical, no-frills, and focused on accessibility: the prices are designed so everyone can get outside and move. Personally, I\u2019m quite happy with the quality-to-price metric.<\/p>\n

\n

De Bijenkorf<\/a> = Macy\u2019s meets Dillard\u2019s, with a European twist<\/strong><\/p>\n

High-end department store with designer brands, beautiful displays, and a famous holiday season vibe. A place to splurge, to browse, or to get your hands on a gift-worthy Dutch souvenir.<\/p>\n

\n

Primark<\/a> = Walmart-level fashion frenzy<\/strong><\/p>\n

Packed, loud, and cheap\u2014but if you need fast fashion basics or kids\u2019 clothes on a tight budget, Primark gets the job done. Just don\u2019t expect the clothes to last forever.<\/p>\n

\n

TK Maxx<\/a> = You guessed it: TJ Maxx<\/strong><\/p>\n

Same model, different continent. A discount wonderland of brand-name clothing, shoes, bags, and home goods. Stock varies wildly by location.<\/p>\n

\n

Bol.com<\/a> = Amazon, sort of<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s the Netherlands\u2019 answer to Amazon: massive selection, fast shipping, a bit less overwhelming. You won\u2019t always find the exact<\/em> thing you want, but you\u2019ll usually find something close enough.<\/p>\n

\n

Where You Shop Shapes How You Settle<\/strong><\/p>\n

You don\u2019t have to memorize all of this. You\u2019ll figure it out the way most of us do\u2014by needing a phone charger or a raincoat and asking around or Googling in mild frustration. But understanding the rough equivalents helps.<\/p>\n

It helps you feel a little less lost. A little more capable. A little closer to home.<\/p>\n

\n

Want a deeper guide to shopping in the Netherlands?<\/strong> I\u2019m putting together a downloadable PDF that covers where to find specific products, how to decode grocery store labels, what you can\u2019t buy here, and more. Stay tuned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The first time I walked into HEMA, I thought, Oh. This is it. This is the Dutch version…\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2535,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[20],"tags":[491,488,494,493,490,263,398,489,492],"class_list":{"0":"post-2533","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-nederland","8":"tag-american-expat-guide","9":"tag-dutch-store-equivalents","10":"tag-dutch-target","11":"tag-expat-daily-life","12":"tag-expat-tips-netherlands","13":"tag-moving-to-the-netherlands","14":"tag-practical-expat-advice","15":"tag-shopping-in-the-netherlands","16":"tag-where-to-shop-netherlands","17":"cs-entry","18":"cs-video-wrap"},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2533","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2533"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2533\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2536,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2533\/revisions\/2536"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/2535"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2533"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2533"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/anorthernsoul.co\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2533"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}