Four layers of clothing, a heater in the stall and an old-fashioned woolen sweater. The market in the city center of Den Bosch took place in a smaller form on Wednesday due to the harsh cold. Market vendors armed themselves against the icy temperatures in various ways. “If my fruit gets below 0 degrees, it gets ugly spots.”
It is quiet on the Market in Den Bosch on Wednesday morning. Many people find it too cold to visit the market stalls. For some market traders that is not an option. That’s why they have their own ways to brave the cold.
For example, there is a stove burning in Jan Reuvers’ fruit and vegetable stall. It is mainly there for its fruit and vegetables. “It is really necessary,” says Reuvers. “Because otherwise it will freeze and nothing will be left. Fruit can have a temperature of 0 degrees. When it gets underneath, it becomes glassy.”
“You have Arctic jackets and fleece clothing.”
Further on is Hein van den Heuvel with his stall. He sells socks and tights, among other things. According to him, there are plenty of types of clothing nowadays that keep you warm. “There is a big difference between the clothes of the past and now. There are Arctic jackets and fleece clothing. You stay warm with that kind of clothing.”
Merino wool products are also very popular in cold times. “That’s the warmest there is. And it is also very nice.” Van den Heuvel himself is not cold on the market. “I just keep moving.”
Ben van de Ven sells sewing supplies and packed himself well on Wednesday morning. In addition to a hat, he wears ski pants, jeans, gloves and good shoes. “And my mother’s knitted sweater.” Van de Ven counts four layers on himself. “And I walk up and down. Then it is doable.”
“You could have a drink.”
Jeanette Mathijsen is one of the visitors to the market. She is not cold. “Wear a thick coat, a scarf and cover your ears. And if you drink alcohol you can have a drink.”