the Leiden Stamp Dealer
De Leidse Postzegelhandel is one of the oldest still existing stamp shops in the Netherlands (opened in 1943). As of October 1, this shop will continue as a PostBeeld franchise store.
This is good news for stamp collectors in Leiden and the surrounding area. The continued existence of this shop is thereby secured, at least for the time being. In itself, not much changes; the shop continues to operate independently and will simply keep selling stamps, coins, supplies, and lots. However, thanks to the collaboration with PostBeeld, customers will have a much wider selection, as they can sell directly from PostBeeld's large worldwide stock. Behind the counter, Jaap is taking over from Edith.
As of Wednesday, the full name of the shop will be: PostBeeld – De Leidse Postzegelhandel. Because De Leidse Postzegelhandel has traditionally dealt extensively in coins, the shop will play a major role within the PostBeeld partnership in further expanding the range of coins and banknotes on the PostBeeld website. Naturally, orders placed via the website can now also be picked up in Leiden. You can indicate this when placing your order. The opening hours of the shop in Leiden remain unchanged: Wednesday to Saturday 10 am - 17 pm. The shop will be closed on Friday, October 3 (Leidens Ontzet). Rob Smit, owner of PostBeeld: 'I would like to compliment and thank Edith Hessels for the excellent way in which she has helped and advised customers for a long time, and I wish her all the best in her new phase of life. I hope and trust that, through this collaboration, we can continue to assist all existing customers well in building a beautiful collection, and that we may also welcome many new customers to this beautiful location in the city center of Leiden.' Our stores in Haarlem and Rotterdam will also remain open, meaning you can now visit PostBeeld at three locations. PostBeeld-Haarlem, Kloosterstraat 21, Haarlem, tel: 023-5272136, opening hours Tue to Fri 10:00-18:00, Sat 10:00-17:00. PostBeeld-De Leidse Postzegelhandel, Vrouwensteeg 3, Leiden, tel: 071-5123233, opening hours Wed to Sat 10:00-17:00. PostBeeld-Medo, Nieuwe Binnenweg 255, Rotterdam, tel: 010-4768643, opening hours Tue, Thu, Sat 10:30-17:00.
Indeed, good news for Leiden and the surrounding area.
Congratulations Postbeeld on this third location.
In Groningen, on the corner of the old Kijkin'tjatstraat opposite the university, there was also a very old stamp shop where, in the distant past, I bought my stamps with my pocket money.
But I think this shop has disappeared too, like many stamp shops.
Seems impossible to get out of.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Edith Hessels for the excellent service I received there over the years and wish her all the best for the future.
@Theo, that was the “Groninger Postzegelcentrale”, it has indeed been gone for yeeeears. I used to go there as a child too. There was also an old stamp shop like that on Folkingestraat. Currently, as far as I know, there is only one shop left in Groningen; it is located on Oosterhamrikkade, far outside the city center.
Gerko, thanks for filling me in.
Is it true that stamp shops are a dying profession, even though there are of course optimists like Jaap who, full of good spirits and with a little help from outside, are starting up again?
Stamp shops a dying profession?
Indeed, shrinking sales.
The current era is held together by craziness, like iPads and the like.
Young people no longer read or collect. So bookstores and antique shops are also having a hard time.
The car dealer is also experiencing tough times, because the modern car (new, only affordable for those over 50) is technically superior and lasts longer with less maintenance. The white goods and brown goods (electronics) trade can only survive as a branch of a chain of price-breakers. Where are the liquor stores, the butchers, the greengrocers? Outcompeted by the supermarkets.
Only as a civil servant do you still have a life. So: get a degree and become a teacher!
Philip,
First of all, why do only civil servants have a (good) life?
I want to draw your attention to the fact that civil servants have not received a single cent more in the last 5 years!!
I am a retired civil servant, by the way.
And why can only people over 50 afford a new car?
Take it from me that that is absolutely not the case. Unfortunately, there are more than enough people who have trouble making ends meet, let alone affording a new car!
Theo, I am also a retired civil servant myself (at least for 50% of my professional life) and find life good compared to many business family members and acquaintances, despite the
pension reduction last 5 years
The industry has published the claim that only people over 50 can afford a new car. Of course, other people over 50 can barely make ends meet, but life is a bitch.
Suggest discussing only stamps from now on.
Philip, that is what this site is for, after all!
Bought 2 weeks ago in a bidding war at the Norway 1945-1985 auction, completely mint condition in a beautiful Leuchtturm album for
200 euros, home delivery and including auction fees. Made the purchase because my Norway set was incomplete and largely covered in stickers.
I don't think a small stamp shop can compete with that, unfortunately.
Personally, I’d rather go to a cozy little browsing shop than a cold auction hall, but oh well…
‘@ Philip
It is clear that you have never seen the lots and collections in our stores if you write something like that. There are hundreds of low-priced lots and collections in Haarlem, Leiden, and Rotterdam.
Incidentally, that also applies to many other stamp shops.
I'll come and take a look sometime.
The batches I saw at the trade fair in Apeldoorn were substandard, unfortunately.
I don't quite understand the sudden link to Apeldoorn. PostBeeld has certainly never exhibited there before (this year will be the first time). Furthermore, 'dropping by to take a look' can of course always be disappointing, as there is a high turnover in lots and the best collections usually sell out quickly. Checking regularly is recommended. If you are interested in specific areas, you can always indicate this, so you can receive a notification when a collection from that area arrives.
Rob, I indeed meant Postex because there are usually a number of stands with parties. Nice that Postex is going to be there now too. I’ve been there for a number of years.
various airmail collections on display, but not in 2013 and 2014.
Sorry: 2nd time Postex, read: Postbeeld.
Hey, Postbeeld is on Postex too? Can you meet the editors of Postzegelblog then? As a southerner, I don't often travel north of the rivers, so it would be nice to get to know them better.
Rob, Caroline, and Ruth will be present at the Postex on Friday. Rob and Tim will be there on Saturday. Rob and Jaap are coming to the Postex on Sunday.
As it looks now, I'll be dropping by on Friday. Nice to finally meet you.
Tip for the new Leiden branch.
Advertise to an attractive target group, namely the many Japanese and Chinese students in Leiden. They send things to their parents. So, also attractive for the stamp trade.
Leiden also has the very famous Japan Museum Siebold. For example, Japanese history, art, and famous Japanese designers on stamps might be a reason for collaboration with this museum.