At Lusthofstraat 35a in Rotterdam, you’ll find BUUF, a cozy shop where creativity and community come together. Here you can browse shelves filled with unique treasures and original gift ideas for young and old. From second-hand clothing to handmade accessories and adorable toys, there’s something for everyone. We have interviewed Marjolijn, one of the owners of BUUF to take you behind the scenes at BUUF to discover what makes them so special.
In 2018, Marjolijn and Carlijn started BUUF together. How did it all begin?
Marjolijn: "We’re actually neighbors. Carlijn used to organize second-hand children’s clothing fairs and asked me to join in. Then we thought it would be fun to turn it into a business. A little shop space became available here in Kralingen, so we gathered some friends who made cards, jewelry, and small crafts. Very small-scale, really. That’s how it all started. We opened first on Korte Kade for two years. Our dream was always to one day move to Lusthofstraat, the main shopping street in Kralingen. During COVID, a spot became available. By then, we had built up two years of regular customers, and now we’ve been here for five years. This year BUUF celebrates their seventh anniversary."
It sounds fun to own a shop, but you do more than just run BUUF, right?
Marjolijn: "Yes, we’re both teachers. I’m a kindergarten teacher, and Carlijn teaches Dutch at a secondary school, both here in the neighborhood. We always say we have the best of both worlds."
If you had to describe BUUF in three words, what would they be?
Marjolijn: "Neighbourhood shop. Cozy. And… something for everyone."
Describe an ideal day at BUUF. What does it look like, and what’s your favorite part?
Marjolijn: "Ideally, the sun is shining, like today, so we can put things outside—that really draws people in. It’s perfect when customers come in all day. People are often lured inside by the racks of second-hand clothing outside, and before they leave, they’ve spotted something else inside and end up buying it. That’s the ideal. I also really enjoy chatting with people—that gives me a lot of energy."
When I walked around your shop, I noticed lots of toys, books, games, lifestyle products, and second-hand clothes. How do you curate your collection?
Marjolijn: "The second-hand clothing is brought in by people from the neighborhood, so we don’t have to source that. We buy baby clothes ourselves, as well as most of the other products—like toys, books, and cards—either at trade fairs or online. I like to see and feel things in person, but we also order a lot online. Some jewelry is sold on consignment—local makers bring it in, and we sell it for them. But most of what you see here, we’ve selected ourselves."
What does sustainability mean for BUUF?
Marjolijn: "We offer pre-loved fashion—clothes that have been worn and are given a second life. That’s the sustainable message we want to share with our neighborhood. And I have to say, it really leaves a positive impression on people."
You sell second-hand clothing and also use a consignment system. How does that work?
Marjolijn: "People bring in clothing, we set the price, and decide what goes on the shop floor. They get a number, and we keep track of everything that’s sold. At the end of a period, they receive 45% of the sales, paid out directly. There’s a local woman who has been making jewelry since we started. She asked if she could sell her pieces here, and we’ve been doing that ever since. At the end of the month, we look at what’s sold and split the proceeds."
What are your bestsellers, and which products sell unexpectedly well?
Marjolijn: "Jellycat stuffed animals are insanely popular—kids, adults, even international students travel from far away to get them here. And second-hand clothing sells really well too. If I had to pick, I’d say Jellycats and clothing."
Do you have tips for entrepreneurs who want to start a concept store or something similar?
Marjolijn: "Do good research to see if there’s demand. If there is, and you know a great location with lots of foot traffic, I say go for it. If you have the chance and the resources to start your own shop, do it. It’s not always fun, and that’s okay, not every part of the job is fun. But if you have the time and space: absolutely go for it. I still get so much energy from it. So yes do it! You too, maybe someday?"
Who knows? Your words might just inspire our readers to take the leap into entrepreneurship themselves.
Visit BUUF at Lusthofstraat 35a in Rotterdam Kralingen and see for yourself. Be surprised by their unique mix of beautiful products, a space full of creativity, and coziness.
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