Allemans flea market: the IJ-Hallen

Not only is it the largest organized flea market in Europe, it's also a place to get inspired and enjoy the unique atmosphere. The IJ-Halls are part of the identity of the NDSM shipyard, a good reason to look back and forward during this special week in these corona times.

I remember it like it was yesterday, the first time I set foot in Amsterdam-Noord. With a friend, I traveled north from the Betuwe for two hours to visit the IJ-Hallen. For two girls from a farming village, it was an incredibly impressive experience. It was also the moment when I fell in love with Amsterdam, a few from which I never really escaped. In addition to the impressive structure of the market on the NDSM site outside and inside the warehouse, there was also a typical “IJ-hallen atmosphere”: welcoming, warm and curious. Something you don't experience like that anywhere else and is almost impossible to describe in words. After that first time, the monthly trip to Amsterdam-Noord had become a regular occurrence. Weekend after weekend, I strolled through the stalls, finding out over and over again that I could really use a new sweater, pants or pair of shoes.

I'm not the only one who looks back on long afternoons by the stalls with a certain sense of nostalgia. If you venture into the IJ-Hallen review page, you'll be overwhelmed by unique stories from visitors, from Amsterdam and beyond. About how they found their new showpiece for the living room or their new solid wood dining table they've been looking for so long. In addition to being a place to buy or sell new acquisitions, the IJ-Hallen are also a meeting place. There's nothing like taking a seat on the Y-slope with fries, next to you is a bag filled with new additions while you chat with a fellow visitor who has also settled down.

It's really fun to find out people's extraordinary stories at the IJ-Hallen

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Undoubtedly, many connections, friendships and most likely also loves have arisen on the sacred ground of the IJ-Hallen. As a visitor, you also get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of sellers at the IJ-Hallen, who, by displaying their contents or wardrobe, give a glimpse into their style and what they once loved but have now decided to say goodbye to. Hiring for a fine-knit sweater, you'll find out how much you have in common with the salesman at the other end of the stall.

Besides the fact that the IJ-Hallen have an enormous emotional value, buying second-hand textiles and other items is also good for the world. Indeed, the textile industry is a huge one. polluter and responsible for 10% of total global CO2 emissions. Just to be clear, this is more than all international flights and all commercial sea transport combined. The production and processing of clothing, footwear and home textiles also cause water pollution and landfills: landfills of waste in the ground that then sinks into the soil. And we haven't even talked about the human rights violation from some clothing companies in developing countries. In short: buying a little more second-hand can have a huge impact on the world and with a place like the IJ-Hallen, it can also make a fantastic impression on yourself.

As a visitor, you also get a fascinating glimpse into the lives of sellers at the IJ-Hallen

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Unfortunately, we weren't able to enjoy the stalls very often last year and it all had to be in a much smaller form.. This had everything to do with the situation surrounding corona and the measures taken to prevent the rising infections. “I hope we can open safely again soon,” says Nichon Glerum, the photographer of the IJ-Hallen for 6 years, when I ask her how she feels about the market in a phone conversation. “It's really a great event. Every time, the stories are there for grabs; together with the photogenic warehouse and NDSM site, this really creates a unique atmosphere. It's really fun to find out people's extraordinary stories and the reasons why they buy or sell things. It's really fun playing a shop.” Nichon's enthusiasm can be felt over the phone. When I ask her about the future, she lets out a sigh. “I really miss the IJ-Hallen,” she says, “as soon as the government gets the green light, we want to go full throttle again. We have a lot of great plans to make the market even more special.”

Don't miss out on the IJ-Hallen and the potential next market when we are allowed again? Watch here the website or click here to stay up to date via social media.

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