The Hague in the shop window

Retail premises in The Hague

The Hague has long been a shopping city. The various shop fronts, department stores and shopping streets – both old and new – are proof of this. Each shop is unique and carries a piece of history with it. See how The Hague residents used to do their daily shopping in the past, what products were available, how shop windows were decorated, what advertising looked like and what the trends in architecture and fashion were.

From grocery store to shopping centre

These images of retail properties in The Hague have been selected from the photo collection of the Hague Municipal Archives. They provide a wonderful snapshot of a bygone era that will be familiar to many. Slowly but surely, local grocers and craftsmen are making way for busy shopping streets lined with large chains and modern shopping centres. 

At the same time, some things remain the same; chic department stores still adorn The Hague's streetscape to this day, the Hague Market is still an icon, and even the typical neighbourhood shop has not disappeared from all streets. Past or present, the illuminated shop windows shine brightly in the darkest months of the year.