The bell rings all day long at the return point of the thrift store De Waar in Emmen. During the Christmas holidays, many more people come to bring things than normal. Owner Louw Tiemens is happy with it.
“Then you can make someone happy with it again. And every piece you sell does not have to be remade,” says Tiemens. At this time of year many Christmas items and toys are also brought.
While normally just over a hundred people find the bell at the return point, on a day like today there could be as many as three hundred. “Christmas and Sinterklaas is the time for giving toys. And that children’s room will be full at some point. A lot of money comes in during those periods.”
A man in a black coat drives up and unloads a coffee table with a glass top. “We are cleaning out the attic. The children’s other toys have already ended up here. And I think something will come loose.”
And more people had that idea. Tiemens: “It is extra busy because of the holidays. Some people go on winter sports and others clean up. We see that coming in.”
In the meantime, Christmas items are piling up in the temporary warehouse designated for this purpose. Fake Christmas trees, baubles, lights, nativity scenes and other decorations. “Too many to mention,” says Tiemens. “But we are happy with it.”
More than 11,000 Christmas items were sold at De Waar during the past Christmas period. And they are already preparing for next year by checking and cleaning the items one by one. And they don’t just do this to make money. Tiemens: “The circular world we want. That is actually the driving force.”