Many shopkeepers die in Enkhuizen, but De Wit sisters-in-law open a second business

There is still considerable chaos in the building on Westerstraat. The store will be officially opened tomorrow morning, but we are still working hard to get everything finished. “It’s been a race against time all week,” says Julie. “But it will be fine.” Co-owner Margreet is happy that the opening is in sight. “I’m really looking forward to it. It has to happen at some point.”

The fact that Enkhuizen is struggling with a relatively large number of vacant shops has not escaped the notice of the sisters-in-law’s environment. “We hear it all the time,” said Julie. “And everyone also says to us: why are you starting a store in Enkhuizen and why even two?!”

Yet the sisters-in-law mainly see the attractive sides of the city. “There are many beautiful shops here, all with their own range. That just makes it fun to shop here.”

Downtown concept

The new business is located in a special place: more than a hundred years ago, in 1919, it was great-grandfather De Wit who started a music business in the same place. It is the starting point of a continuous and successful presence of the family in the city center of Enkhuizen. “Enthusiasm and a good concept” are the key to success, according to Margreet. “And a very nice customer base who sometimes also come up with nice ideas.”