Fashion's environmental impact is undeniable, prompting major retailers to prioritize sustainability. Zeeman, a beloved Dutch clothing chain, is leading the way by introducing second-hand apparel sales.
Zeeman was once synonymous with budget shopping and a somewhat outdated image in the 1990s. Low prices attracted cost-conscious buyers, but it carried a stigma—personal experience from that era confirms shoppers often faced teasing for Zeeman finds. Fast-forward to today: Zeeman has transformed into a go-to destination for all ages and incomes. Limited-edition items sell out rapidly, especially among younger demographics, drawing families, professionals, and seniors alike.
Clothing production takes a heavy toll on the planet and workers, with cost-cutting often leading to outsourcing in low-wage countries and reports of child labor and exploitative conditions in places like India and Bangladesh. Retailers are stepping up, and preowned fashion—where customers trade in used clothes for discounts—is gaining traction. For a deeper dive, read our comprehensive guide on participating chains and the process.
Following pioneers like H&M, C&A, Zalando, and Tommy Hilfiger, Zeeman has launched Zeeman RESALE. Select stores now offer both new and preowned clothing. A successful pilot in Amsterdam-Osdorp, popular with young shoppers, paved the way for expansion to five branches.
Customers return used items to Zeeman, which partners with Het Goed—a social enterprise with 28 recycling centers and 5 textile facilities. Garments are inspected rigorously: quality pieces return for resale, while others are diverted to local recyclers, minimizing waste and environmental harm.
Currently, five branches (plus one additional) offer preowned fashion:
Sint Jacobslaan 137, Nijmegen
Market 40, City Plaza, Nieuwegein
Osdorpplein 383, Amsterdam
Barony 18, Alphen
Vlamingstraat 24, The Hague
Market 11-13, Maastricht
Visited a Zeeman RESALE store? Share your experience in the comments below!
