Located just a stone’s throw from the city of Groningen, the small German town of Bunde has emerged as a haven for Dutch shoppers seeking to stretch their grocery budgets, the Dagblad van het Noorden reports. Thanks to its proximity and significantly lower prices on groceries, toiletries, and alcohol, Bunde has become a popular destination for bargain hunters from across the region.
Dutch families savor the savings
Among the Dutch shoppers frequenting Bunde are Jolanda and Leo Hut, who are well-versed in the town’s bargain offerings. “Bunde is our go-to spot for affordable food and drinks,” says Jolanda. “We can save a lot of money here, especially on things like potatoes, shower foam, deodorant, and chocolate.”
The couple’s car is often filled to the brim with groceries and alcohol from Bunde. “We’re happy to drive the extra 50 minutes to save money,” says Leo. “It’s worth the trip.”
Martijn and Elise Brandsma, along with their son Thom, recently ventured into Bunde for their first cross-border shopping experience. “We were curious about all the hype about Bunde, so we decided to give it a try,” says Martijn. “We’re glad we did – we saved a lot of money on groceries and other household items.”
The Brandsmas plan to make Bunde a regular part of their shopping routine. “It’s a great way to stretch our grocery budget,” says Elise. “We’re definitely coming back soon.”
Bunde’s retail boom benefits from cross-border trade
Bunde’s retail success is evident in its well-sized shops and supermarkets, which have expanded to meet the demand from Dutch shoppers. The town’s parking lots are often filled with cars with Dutch, German, Polish, Lithuanian, and even Danish license plates, a sign of its expanding appeal beyond the Dutch border.
The influx of Dutch shoppers has had a positive impact on Bunde’s economy. The town’s businesses have seen increased sales, and the town’s overall vibrancy has been boosted.
Bunde’s transformation into a cross-border retail hub reflects the growing dissatisfaction among Dutch consumers with the pricing strategies of their local supermarkets. The town’s proximity to the Dutch border and its significantly lower prices have created a compelling alternative for value-conscious shoppers, prompting an exodus to Bunde’s aisles. As supermarkets this side of the border grapple with the erosion of their competitive edge, Bunde and a host of other German border towns are poised to continue their ascent as a bargain hunter’s paradise, catering to the growing demand for affordable groceries and consumer goods.
