A historic coffee and tea shop in Amsterdam, ‘t Zonnetje, is set to close its doors after 400 years of service. The owner, Marie-Louise Velder, cites rising rents and gentrification driven by overtourism as the main reasons for the closure. Despite the challenges, she hopes to find a way to keep the beloved shop open, which has been a community hub for many locals.
• The shop is located in a building from 1642 on Haarlemmerdijk, a vibrant street filled with independent stores.
• Many tourists prefer chain coffeehouses over unique local shops like ‘t Zonnetje, impacting its customer base.
• The shop offers a nostalgic atmosphere with original wooden floors and a variety of coffee sourced globally.
• Longtime customers and employees express deep sadness over the closure, emphasizing its social importance in the community.
This situation highlights the struggle of preserving local culture amidst the pressures of tourism and commercialization. The loss of ‘t Zonnetje would mean losing a piece of Amsterdam's rich history and a vital gathering space for locals.
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