J. Boom

Since 1835, the Boom family has been the specialist for Dutch household items from traditional wooden clogs to ropes, brushes, and household products.

Over its nearly 200-year history, the shop has served the people of Alkmaar. The interior has retained much of its original character and charm. Hundreds of brushes hang from the ceiling, and the shelves are filled with rows of traditional clogs. The shop window and the classic cash register remain the same.

In addition to clogs, brushes, and ropes, the store carries a number of traditional cleaning products, including pipe and radiator cleaners, teapot spouts, chimney sweeps, feather dusters, and carpet beaters. The rope and twine collection include sustainably sourced natural fibers, for example hemp, manila, sisal and cotton. Thousands of products are stacked up to the ceiling.

In 1982, the future of the store was uncertain after the owner, Johan Boom died unexpectedly. His daughter-in-law Bernadette took over the business and still runs it today. After a large fire devastated the shop in 2012, she led the rebuilding process, restoring the shop to its traditional design.