It is a short walk from the Rensenpark, via the Pancratius Church and through the Hoofdstraat towards the old city center. “But that is definitely a part of Emmen that the royal family should not miss,” says entrepreneur Ronald van Peer. On the corner with Derksstraat is his Jan van Peer department store, specialized in cooking and everything that goes with it. The store has been in the family for generations and is therefore one of the oldest family businesses in Emmen. “Look, we are quite proud of that,” says Ronald. He points to the richly decorated sign on the facade, which bears the title ‘Court Supplier’. “Not that we literally deliver our stuff to the Royal House. The sign is a reward for loyalty and honest entrepreneurship, and for the fact that we have been a family business for so long.” The company has been able to call itself a Purveyor to the Royal Household since 2001.
Not only because of that designation, according to Van Peer, it would be nice if Willem-Alexander and Máxima came by on King’s Day. “It is much more important to be able to show what has happened here recently in the old part of the center. As entrepreneurs, we are proud that this part of Emmen has been significantly renovated and, above all, that unique shops are located here. Not the standard large branch stores, but the specialists can be found here. “If the royal couple wants to experience real Emmen entrepreneurship, then this is a logical part of the route; As far as I’m concerned, this is where the soul of Emmen lies.” As far as Van Peer is concerned, it would be absolutely wonderful if the family also dropped by his business. “Who knows, I might actually become a Purveyor to the Court.”
The royal family can continue their route on King’s Day via Derksstraat and Noorderstraat, before arriving back at Hoofdstraat and Marktplein. It is then a logical progression to continue walking behind the church towards the completely renovated Raadhuisplein, where the entrance to Wildlands is also located.