The cozy tea shop Zonnetje, founded in 1642, faces imminent closure due to skyrocketing rent costs. Owner Marie-Louise Velder, aged 76, has seen her rent rise dramatically from 975 guilders in 1999 to potentially 4,500 guilders monthly, following a legal dispute. Despite a strong outpouring of customer support, the closure highlights a larger trend in Amsterdam, where local businesses are struggling against increasing rents, leading to fears that the city will become dominated by chain stores and tourist-oriented businesses.
The sun will set for good on this cosy shop in Amsterdam, which was founded in 1642. For the owner, the rent is just too high.
Rents have been growing in the most sought after high street retail locations across the Netherlands, causing traditional shops to face imminent closure.
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