First edition of the De Normaalste Zaak van Eindhoven bike tour

Some people rarely shop second-hand – not because they don’t want to, but because they don’t know where to go or how to spot the real gems. That’s why, on Saturday 17 May, we hosted the very first bike tour by De Normaalste Zaak van Eindhoven, together with Climate Mayor Katja Lumme. It was designed for people who are new to second-hand shopping, or new to the city and curious about what Eindhoven has to offer.

We cycled past a vibrant cross-section of the city’s second-hand scene. The tour kicked off at Stichting Wereldhuis, one of Eindhoven’s largest thrift stores, where we even got a special behind-the-scenes look. Then we stopped by Books4Life to browse through stacks of pre-loved books, followed by NineLives – a cosy little shop full of second-hand fashion and accessories.

An introduction to all Eindhoven has to offer

After a coffee break at the Van Abbe Café, we continued to Strijp-S. There, we explored the stylish world of Frankies Favorites and learned about the beauty of upcycled fashion at Luna & Lore. Our final stop was Karoessel, a colourful thrift store in the lively Woensel-West neighbourhood.

Along the way, we shared tips and tricks: how to spot treasures in a crowded rack, what to look for in second-hand clothes and furniture, and how to find shops that match your personal style. The result? Second-hand shopping felt more fun, accessible – and social. In fact, quite a few phone numbers were exchanged!

Participants rated the tour a 9.6 out of 10. Safe to say: we’re already looking forward to the next one!