# Shopping
Ready for the new year
Stock up on school supplies at these great spots!
Few look forward to it, but the holiday really does come to an end. The 2025-2026 school year begins in September. The time has come for students and schoolchildren to start doing the back to school shopping again!
Rotterdam Centre is bursting with shops where you can buy awesome school supplies for a bargain. And there are also greatly priced Back to School offers.
In addition to school supplies, you might also need a new wardrobe, a fresh haircut and a pair of shoes that will knock your classmates back. In this article we have listed a few stores with products that will help you start your school year with a head start!
We start with a classic: HEMA! At HEMA you will find school supplies with a price-quality ratio that you will love! You will find everything here: bags, notebooks, pencil cases, diaries, lunch boxes, you name it.
Donner has been a household name in Rotterdam for more than a century. Located in the old ABN AMRO building on the Coolsingel, it has absolute allure. Besides the fact that you are in a beautiful monumental building at Donner, you will also find high-quality school articles. Take Moleskin's notebooks and Leuchtturm's academic weekly planners, for example. Above all, Donner is of course also a bookshop, so if you still have to write a book report next year...
For students, having a good laptop is of course a must. Amac is the reseller of Apple products in Rotterdam. So if you are looking for a good laptop to write your projects and theses, visit Amac. Come to Lijnbaan 79 with your student card and proof of identity, because you will receive a 10% discount on all Macbooks and 5% on all iPads.
In the heart of the city – around the Lijnbaan, the Binnenwegplein and the Koopgoot – you will find a mix of popular clothing stores where you can go for affordable and trendy outfits. Think of stores such as Uniqlo, Zara, H&M, Stradivarius, Bershka, Guts & Gusto and Pull and Bear, where you can quickly find a new pair of jeans, hoodie or jacket.
Are you looking for something unique or do you want to make more sustainable choices? Then also walk into the Meent or the Pannekoekstraat. Here you will find smaller shops and concept stores where you can score something a little different than the rest. And for those who want to complete their outfit with accessories or a new backpack: in the city centre there are plenty of shops such as Sissy-Boy and Urban Outfitters that add that little bit extra to your school look.
The eye catchers of your outfit are your shoes. Of course you don't want to go back to school with the shoes that you broke during the holidays.
For the latest sneakers, you really have to visit JD Sports on the Beursplein in Rotterdam Centre. This mega-store – the largest in the Netherlands – is located right in the heart of the city and is full of top brands such as Nike, Adidas, Jordan and North Face. Whether you are looking for a tight tracksuit, a new backpack or that one limited edition sneaker you saw on TikTok, chances are you will find it here.
One of the most famous shoe stores in Rotterdam is Assem, located on the Aert van Nesstraat, the side street of the Lijnbaan. For young and old, men and women, sneakers and boots, they have everything here. Their collection of brands is therefore quite broad. Think of UGG, Shabbies, Toms, Nubikk, Michael Kors and more.
Looking for something unique? Then walk out of the center to WOEI, a sneaker store where sneaker fanatics from the harbor city and far beyond hope to get that one sneaker. Fans sometimes wait for days in front of the door. Sometimes even in tents!
For a new haircut you can go to Team Kappers in Rotterdam Centre. With their central location on the Lijnbaan, you can walk through the city in no time with a fresh cut. A low price and fast service is what you can expect at Team Kappers, ideal if you want to save some money.
Young people up to the age of 20 and students receive a 20% discount from Monday to Friday before 6:00 PM upon presentation of a valid ID or student card.
Rob Peetoom is the place for good highlights, a fresh haircut or a hair treatment is. But did you know that they also offer other beauty treatments? Think of make-up services, eyebrow touch-ups, or hair treatments.
For a short and fresh cut, visit the barbers at Venué Barbers, where they make the perfect fade and where they trim your beard tight. Creativity is very important here, so they are not afraid to help you with all your wishes. Come by the Van Oldenbarneveltstraat and try it out!
The store for bags and backpacks in the centre of Rotterdam is of course Van Os. Located on the Coolsingel, this is the place to go for a new backpack, a nice leather bag or a new wallet. And did you know that students get a 10% discount on presentation of a valid student card?
Do you want to start your first day of school with beautifully painted nails? At the Meent you will find Tutti Colori Nailbar, where they can help you in all kinds of areas. All colours of the rainbow, acrylic nails, nail art and fully groomed manicures are on the menu here. Worth a try!
For the ultimate self care, go to SOAP. From facials, massages and pedicures to getting your eyebrows done; SOAP is a wonderful, bright place to relax and let yourself be pampered.
