Marianne van Veen always had beautiful childhood memories of Stadshart Zoetermeer. Trips to the nearby Konmar supermarket with her father are still with her. When she started looking for a building for a clothing repair company 17 years ago Big Scissors the choice for the Stadshart was therefore quickly made.
The family business of Marianne and her partner Tony has now become a landmark in Stadshart Zoetermeer and does much more than just repairs: “I like to see that customer’s smile when I hand over a gift.”
First in the area
Marianne used to spend a lot of time repairing clothes, with her mother and at school. Her partner worked as a tailor in Egypt when he was young. They both chose different careers, until her partner was out of work in 2006 due to circumstances. This is how the idea for Big Scissors was born: clothing repair and dry cleaning. “There was no such place in the area at that time. We work together seven days a week and that is quite tough, but above all a lot of fun.” Her partner specializes in entertaining evening dresses, among other things. Customers come to Big Scissors from far out of town for this.
Embroidery gifts
For years, Big Scissors was doing great, but Marianne’s company also suffered from the corona lockdowns. “People went to the office less and the number of customers in dry cleaning in particular fell as a result,” she says. “Then we started looking for something new to do next to it.” Marianne took up embroidery again, an old hobby that she always enjoyed. “Now we have a whole collection of cuddly toys, baby textiles and other nice embroidered gifts. They also sell cuddly toys in a balloon that are ideal as a children’s gift.
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During the lockdown, Marianne and her partner also had time to delve into creating company logo embroidery files. That is why they now not only embroider for private individuals, but also embroider textiles and gifts for companies.
Seeing people shine
Marianne used to work for a while in a store with plush bears. There she already loved wrapping beautiful gifts and giving people something special. “Dry cleaning and clothing repair are also fun to do, but I noticed that I missed this: seeing people shine if you can give them something beautiful. That is very rewarding and makes me happy myself.”
Make even more beautiful
Marianne has a beautiful building in the middle of Stadshart Zoetermeer. Yet she secretly dreams of a slightly larger space, so that she can expand not only clothing repair and dry cleaning, but also embroidery. “Customers often come here primarily for dry cleaning or to have a piece of clothing repaired and come back for the special gifts. They know how to find us better and better. I think it would be great if I could make even more beautiful things and share them with the Zoetermeers.”
City center of Zoetermeer
In City center of Zoetermeer is a lot of choice of shops. Whether you are looking for a new television, beautiful clothing or an original gift: you have come to the right place in Stadshart Zoetermeer.
The range of shops varies from small specialty shops to large department stores, such as Mediamarkt, Albert Heijn XL, TK Maxx, JD Sports, Douglas, Rituals, H&M, Mango, Foot Locker, Albert Nolten, Primark and the Douwe Egberts Cafe. Stadshart Zoetermeer also offers a wide choice of various dining and entertainment venues. Got an appetite from shopping? Or do you want to take a break with a drink? In the Stadshart you will find a place to settle down!
This article is sponsored by Retailers Association Promotion Stadshart Zoetermeer.