Archives for “Shopping” tag

Ghent contains several second hand stores. Since the demand is higher than the supply, prices are rarely reasonable. Think Twice (a Finnish chain) distinguishes itself from all the others by their very democratic prices.

Every five weeks the collection changes. The last two weeks all clothes are on sale, starting from -30% and ending with 4, 3, 2 – and on the last day – € 1! A few months ago I scored a pair of brown Italian – almost unworn – high heels for a measly sum of € 3! Over here you can also find great dresses and other stuff for a costume party. 

Recycling clothes isn’t only ecologic, at T2 selling second hand clothes also serves a human intent: the profit goes to a charity (Humana) that invests in several projects in developing countries.

Think twice isn’t a one shop project: this Finnish chain counts 10 stores in Flanders at the moment. Apart from the one in Ghent, you can find shops in Antwerp (4!), Brussels (2), Louvain and Bruges. 

The store in Ghent is open on Sunday morning, which is perfect to combine with a visit to the bookmarket at the Ajuinlei (check out the article Ajuinlei here)!

Some other news: in January Think Twice opened a second store at Nederkouter 118 (picture)! (same opening times) 

Behind the lovely façade of this building time seems to stand still. This decoration shop belongs definitely to a romantic soul. Annick van Wesemael, experienced florist, has made an art piece of this place.

Although much of it is retro, everything is brand new. And I must say, prices are really ok! They have a large assortiment of bathroom and kitchen decoration. But you can also find other goods, like lovely tin cans (yes my weak spot…) and even jewelry. Over here I could easily find a gift for my mom! For the deco-experts, here you will find plenty items of the brand ‘Comptoir de Famille’.

Huiszwaluw (House martin) was founded in 2008 in the Jan Breydelstraat. In the fall of 2011 they moved out to a bigger place. The offer is great: lamps, pillows, boxes, mugs, jewelery, furniture, postcards… all of this with lovely often stylistic prints. They also have a little department with lovely bears and other toys for the little ones. Perfect for gifts!

The main accent is clearly Scandinavian, but you will also find articles of Belgian or Dutch designers. The prices aren’t the lowest, but then again a lot of things over here are handmade. In the back you will find a beautiful collection of Scandinavian furniture. Walking in this store definitely gives you new ideas for your own house. Check out their facebook page for the latest novelties!

I discovered Paard van Troje (Trojan Horse) a while ago. It used to be situated two streets away from their current location, the Kouter. With several prices on its record for being one of the better bookstores in Belgium and even in the Low Lands, this bookstore is worth an article.

Don’t expect to find the regular kind of books that you can find in every other bookstore over here. Books on how to become a masterchef, a pro in gardening or a queen in sewing, yes they do have them over here. But they rather have the kind of books with a twist. Also a lot of them have remarkable covers. I need to force myself not to flip through the pages of every single novel! Good to know: they have a selection of books in English.

Bought an example and can’t wait to start reading? This store has a bar as well, with a terrace. Order a sandwich or some pastry (from Les tartes de Françoise!) and enjoy a lazy afternoon. 

When you’re on your way to the student area and bicycling in the Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat, you probably won’t even take the effort to watch stores, nor other traffic participants: that road is way too steep! Neither did I for like the first 2 years of university. 

That’s just a pity because in this street there are some nice places to behold. Besides Rewind, I also love the heavenly pasta of Trattoria della Mamma (check the Trattoria della Mamma article) and enjoy drinks on the comfy terrace of the Marimain café on the other side of the street. 

…But talking about Rewind! The accent of the clothing style is definitely on Scandinavian and French clothes. This is one of the only places in Ghent where you can buy clothes of the french brand Sessùn. Not a store to go at the end of the month, but you’ll find a unique dress over here for sure! The setting is rather simple, yet warm and classy and with northern accents. 

If you can’t get enough of this style, you could take a look in their other stores: Rewind Men (on the other side of the street) and Humør, the interior store (Bennesteeg 19).