Floris van Bommel

If the shoe fits...

Van Bommel shoes have been a household name in the Netherlands for centuries, because it was in 1734 that the first Van Bommel started the shoe factory that later became so famous. The three brothers who now run the family business, Reynier, Floris and Pepijn, also represent the ninth generation. A generation with all kinds of ambitious plans, of which one is to launch the exclusive Floris van Bommel brand on the German market in 2008.

An indestructible brand

While Van Bommel in its home country may be an indestructible name with 1200 points of sale, it is less well-known in our neighbouring countries. As Floris van Bommel says, "That means you have to create points of sale, so Floris van Bommel shops. The first opened in Berlin at the beginning of this year, in the heart of the city."

Shop in Berlin

For the shop in Berlin, Floris van Bommel consciously chose a compact boutique concept with a hospitable, somewhat laid-back, atmosphere. The interior has deliberately been kept simple and relaxed; austere white walls, a concrete - atelier-like - floor, easy chairs here and there, an old workbench and other striking furnishing materials. In other words, a shop with personality.

B&B Tradeshow

Almost simultaneously with the opening of the shop, the Bread & Butter tradeshow was also taking place in Berlin, a trade fair for sport, street and casual fashion. "If you're planning to launch a strong brand," says Floris, "you simply have to be at the B&B. It's held twice a year in the hangars of the former Tempelhof Airport. We certainly made the most of it. Our stand was 30 metres wide and five metres high, so it attracted a lot of attention!"