Amsterdam, Netherlands
Utrechtsestraat 149
N/A
+31 206228174
DeliveryIn-store pick-upIn-store shopping
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Going to a bookstore is one of my favourite things to do so I was excited to visit this place after reading the reviews. Unfortunately, my own experience left me thoroughly disappointed. While browsing, a staff member approached me and said that I had spent too long there and needed to make up my mind because people were waiting outside. I understand that during the pandemic, shops can have only a certain number of people inside. But the very reason people go to book shops is to browse in peace. If you’re going to chase people out, put a sign up outside to make it clear that there’s a time limit. Then I would have gone elsewhere. Making people feel pressured and guilty for browsing makes it feel like a factory, and certainly did not make me feel like a valued customer. Safe to say I will not be going back.
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Reading through all of the other wonderful reviews on here, I'm reassured that I wasn't mistaken in my first impression: That this would be the bookshop I would visit the most if I were an Amsterdammer. Small but fascinating selection, I had such a nice time browsing!
One of the best bookstores in Amsterdam.
Great selection of international magazines and friendly staff!
Having worked here for several years might have left my opinion a tad biased, but it also gives me all the information on the inner workings of this little bookstore in Amsterdam. The basis of the clientele of Zwart op Wit Boekhandel is a well read crowd, demanding that this small bookstore has as much titles as possible on the shelves. Because of this, you can come in and hear that they just sold out a title. Often only two or three copies are in the store at the same time, just to make sure that the limited space in the building can be home to as many different titles as possible. But because this is the policy, you can find everything. From poetry to travel stories, English, French and Dutch titles. Novels, classics, and smaller less known authors. And there is a huge non-fiction section stacked up on science, philosophy, religion even. Both in English and in Dutch. The employees of Zwart op Wit Boekhandel try to read as much of the titles as possible so they can always help you to find a good fitting recommendation. These employees also have a say in what gets added to the stock, which is exactly the reason why you'll be able to find little gems hidden away between the more common titles. If they read it and like it, it gets added to the shelves for future visitors to pick up and consider. This connection between store and staff is the greatest strength of this shop. Don't expect the employees to come to you while you're walking in the store, it's simply not the style in which they work. If you have a question, you come to them and ask. They will come from behind the desk and help you with anything, but expect a welcoming greeting when entering, they won't actively step towards you.
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Wheelchair-accessible entrance