Hans Meester (64) from Alkmaar is proud that he has been nominated for best shoemaker in the Netherlands. “Customers can sign you up, and so many customers voted for me that the jury came here to see.” Together with two other shoemakers, he is now in the race for the title. The winner will be announced at the end of this month.
The jury assesses the appearance of the shop and the quality of the repair work. They also use mystery guests† “I vacuum every morning and always tidy up, I just like a neat workplace,” says Hans. And his customers? They find Hans cheerful, friendly and professional.
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Inside the store there are flowers on the table and a framed certificate stating that he is a finalist of the best shoemaker in the Netherlands. “I started my business on the Laat in Alkmaar. Once there were five shoemakers within 100 meters. In the end I was the only one left,” says Hans. He has since moved his business to Hoogstraat.
Future
And it is quite busy in the store there. “It was different during corona, but I am an essential store and therefore remained open.” Now that corona is over, Hans foresees a better future: “Everything is becoming more expensive, and repairing shoes remains cheaper than buying new ones.”
We will find out who will become the best shoemaker in the Netherlands during the Shoemaker Dinner in Vianen, on Sunday 24 April. The prize is an initiative of the Dutch Shoemakers Association.