Since 1990 Ria has lived in Haarlem, the place where she has lived most of her life. And the good thing is that they can easily both RataPlan shops in Haarlem, both the Werfstraat as the Zijlstraat.
A busy existence
In her spare time, Ria likes to garden in her large allotment garden, but Ria is also someone who likes to sew and knit everything herself. I also enjoy cycling and reading, says Ria. 'All hobbies for which I can shop at the thrift shop. I often buy books, knitting needles and fabrics at the thrift store, I often fix things up!' Ria therefore thinks it is very important to recycle and is in favor of it. 'Buying new is not the trick, it is more fun to find something at the thrift store that fulfills the same task. I myself always bring a lot to you, for example when I have finished a book or clothes that I no longer wear.'
'People throw away such beautiful things'
Ria regularly visits the thrift store, at least once a week. Both stores in Haarlem are favorites for Ria. 'At the Werfstraat they have more furniture and it is a bit more extensive and at the Zijlstraat I always have a chat. I just like to look around at both!' During her visit to RataPlan we can often find Ria in the furniture department. 'That's a bit of a knock! I have always bought a lot for my children, we have a big house so sometimes I bought a nice bench. For example, I am now sitting on a very nice LeoLux bench, which I covered myself, but bought from you. I also buy a lot of children's toys for the grandchildren, but clothing, pots, pans and books are also my favourites.' Ria would like to advise everyone to buy everything you use from the thrift store. "People throw such good things away." Ria often does her rounds on her own and when she goes with someone it's with her sister, 'we are made of the same cloth.'
Beautiful memories with RataPlan Zijlstraat
'What I liked so much, my daughter-in-law was pregnant and she was shopping at Zijlstraat. But she became unwell at the checkout, then they took care of her so nice. The people there are so involved, I got a call and then I picked her up. The willingness to give her a chair and a glass of water, I really like that. I also really like the fact that more and more people are coming, I'm doing it from a sustainable point of view, and now my children are doing it too.'
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