“We get rid of things far too quickly.” Entrepreneur Sander is firm about this. Especially in a city of makers – a label Tilburg proudly embraces – there should be much more emphasis on repairing, remaking or adapting products that no longer fit, work properly or appeal to their owners. “Recently, a pair of expensive Timberlands was brought here, hardly any wear and exactly my size. A quick resole and they’ll last for years.”

Anyone who talks to Sander will notice his passion. Sustainability, circularity, good care for the world around you: they are values that seem to flow through his veins. Through ‘Kringloop Tilburg’ he breaks the image of the old and dusty second-hand shop and for thirteen years has opened the doors to second-hand shopping for a wider audience. “We welcome mostly three types of people: collectors, eco-conscious customers, and fun shoppers. Nearly 10,000 people visit per week. All people who lovingly lengthen the life of discarded products.”

Of course, everywhere in the building, LED lights shine, and there are solar panels on the roof. The partners that ‘Kringloop Tilburg’ collaborates with on waste streams are committed to the circular economy. Great, and on the other hand, low-hanging fruit, if you ask Sander. Because the company’s biggest sustainability ambition? Until three years ago that was the parking lot in front of the shop, an eyesore. Sander: “We want to show that a place like this can also be greener.” Through the business association ‘Loven’, Sander and his brother and co-owner Dennis, first learned about a Green Deal initiated by the municipality in Tilburg. “Then it went fast: ‘Interpolis’ took the lead, and the province, the regional water authority and all other partners helped us develop the plans and make them happen. That’s the character of this city, I think, with its history of working hard,” says Sander about the ten-year plan, which thanks to all the helping hands, came together in just nine months. “In Tilburg we’re never afraid to help one another.”

It was a huge undertaking, Sander thinks back. “And it asked a lot of us: along with a substantial financial investment, replacing the roof too.” It is not just a side project you can squeeze in, the entrepreneur emphasizes. There is courage and trust needed. From the grant providers, the partners and ‘Kringloop Tilburg’ itself. Everyone is fully committed and still is. It’s not for nothing that the thrift shop grew significantly in the last years. Much of that confidence stems from the vision shared by Sander and his team. For me, entrepreneurship isn’t just about taking. I think that we should give something back to the city. I feel that responsibility strongly.” If no one moves, everything stays the same, he explains. “But once someone shows that it can be done, others follow quickly. I’m happy to set the example.”