(photograph © Kiwidutch)
When Kelly Branson married Jason Kelly, she naturally became “Kelly Kelly”.
She’s a Dutch national of mixed English/ Dutch heritage and with her Birmingham husband she recently started up a Grocery shop for ex-pats in the Hague after missing many of their favourite food and grocery items from the UK.
Kelly’s shop is called ” Kelly’s Expat Shopping” and can be found in the Zeeheldenkwartier, in Piet Heinstraat close to the junctions of Elandstraat and Zoutmanstraat.
BLOG UPDATE: these photos are now of the old shop… the new shop in the Hague has moved just around the corner to the Zoutmanstraat 22A which I’d judge to be a one, possibly two minute walk around the corner. I’ve included Kelly’s updated address at the bottom of the post.
It’s a cheerful, friendly shop and when I asked if it might be possible to speak with the owner, the staff were happy to oblige and Kelly emerged to chat for a moment.
The shop has been running for a relatively short time, but seems to already cater well for both the Dutch and Ex-pat community, providing those little items from “home” and favourite brand name items that people know and love.
Although Amsterdam is the bigger city, The Hague is the home of many of the International Organizations, Embassy’s, Schools and Companies so the concentration of local Ex-pat’s is high.
For me, as a foodie cook and baker it’s nice to know that simple items like food colourings which are ridiculously difficult to get in Dutch shops are available for my cake decorating needs and that I could get things like Treacle (the English form of Molasses) here too.
Every time I have visited Kelly’s shop the staff have been friendly and the shop has been busy, both very good signs in the Dutch world of retail where I often wonder if the national motto must be ” service without a smile” . Don’t get me started on Dutch ” service” (or more correctly, the usual lack of it… we could be here forever).
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
The staff also have some knowledge about the goods on sale, and I hope that that knowledge will grow over time. The goods are predominantly British Isles favourites with a smattering of American items too and latterly some South African lines have been added as well.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
… and a community notice board, advertising functions, events, goods and services…
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
I like that you can either pay the shop a visit in person, or shop on-line, since the shop is local to me I haven’t yet done any on-line shopping but it’s nice to know that the option is there should I need or want it one day.
Kelly’s also brings in specialist items and treats for Christmas, Easter, Valentines and Expat holidays like Halloween.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Kelly puts out an electronic newsletter that it is possible to subscribe to that informs not only of what’s up and coming in the shop, but also of what’s on in the city that might be of interest to customers, a very handy feature.
Kelly’s opening times are:
Monday - Friday 09:30 – 18.30
Saturday 09.00 – 18:00
Sunday 10.00 – 17:00
Piet Heinstraat is located between the Laan van Meerdervoort and Elandstraat. (only a block or so from the Elandstraat)
If using public transport, take Tram 17, and get off at the “Elandstraat” tramhalt, cross the big intersection, heading towards the Laan van Meerdervoort on the Zoutmanstraat and it will be the first street on the right. You will be able to see Kelly’s on the left hand side of the street after just a few meters.
(photograph © Kiwidutch)
Kelly’s Expat Shopping:
Zoutmanstraat 22A // 2518GP The Hague // The Netherlands // Tel: 070 346 97 53
