History
1903
It is the year 1903. Leeuwarden has 33,177 inhabitants, and one of them, Hendrik Dirk Marie Hofstede, decides to open a shop that year specializing in optics, medical instruments, and orthopedic articles. After the necessary preparations, the big day finally arrives on November 12. The young entrepreneur opens the doors at Sint Jacobsstraat 22. He works hard, and five years later he already has to move because the premises have become too small. He buys another property on the same street at number 23. Business continues to flourish, and in 1922, just before the twentieth anniversary, the property at Sint Jacobsstraat 19 is also purchased. The medical trade is moved to the new shop, and a large workshop is built behind the existing property at number 23. Unfortunately, Hendrik soon suffers a stroke and, on medical advice, must slow down a bit. He passes away on May 9, 1929.
1953
The store is actively continued by his three sons: Frans, Theo, and Johan. Frans quickly realizes that this profession is not his calling and leaves the business. Theo and Johan continue together. Theo dies far too early in 1946, leaving Johan to manage alone. Many years later, two of Theo’s sons also join the business. In 1953, Johan decides to sell the properties on Sint Jacobsstraat and open a new store at Nieuwestad 130. The path of an entrepreneur, however, is not always smooth. At the opening of the new shop, the speech is reluctantly given by Johan’s son Hein because Johan himself is in the hospital with a stomach ulcer. Hein is already working with his father at the time and takes over the reins as soon as Johan begins to enjoy his later years.
1966
Johan’s other son, Jan, also wants to join the business in 1966. After careful consideration, it is decided to open a branch. Several cities are evaluated as potential locations, and the choice ultimately falls on The Hague. Together with his wife Magdaleen, Jan opens his store specializing in glasses and photographic equipment at Hoogstraat 37 in The Hague on December 16, 1966. He is assisted by his cousin Hein, son of the previously mentioned Theo, who focuses on the photography section. About eleven years later, Jan decides it is time to separate the two original business divisions. The optics section is moved to Venestraat, where Jan develops as a true optics specialist.
1980
In 1980, he makes a difficult decision. He stops the photography business and moves the optical shop back to Hoogstraat 37. In the following years, Hofstede Optiek becomes the leading store in The Hague and surrounding areas in the field of eye care and eyewear fashion that it is today. Many well-known Dutch people find their way to the shop, and in 1985 Jan has the honor of welcoming Her Majesty Queen Beatrix for the first time. Since then, Hofstede Optiek has supplied glasses and other optical articles to the Royal House many times. To this day, the company counts the Oranges among its clientele.
1993
The parent company in the Frisian capital also flourishes. Hein is assisted by his cousin Guus, also a son of Theo, who leads the medical department. In 1993, Hein decides to end his active career. Due to the lack of a successor, and because Jan prefers to continue focusing on the Hague branch, the optics division is sold to an employee. Both the medical department and the optics business no longer exist today. This makes Hofstede Optiek in The Hague the only remaining branch of the family business started in 1903.
1998
In The Hague, the fourth generation of the Hofstede family emerges. Two of Magdaleen and Jan’s three children, Norbert and Marloes, feel drawn to the optics profession. Through education and internships across the country, they develop into skilled opticians, optometrists, and true entrepreneurs. First Norbert, then Marloes, join the parental business. Magdaleen and Jan are proud of them and have full confidence in this duo. Since 1998, Norbert and Marloes have been working in the company, while Jan and Magdaleen gradually step back.
2000
In 2000, a major and trendsetting renovation takes place, completely transforming the appearance of the store. In 2003, this is followed by a new optometry department on the first floor. Intensive collaboration with ophthalmologists, changed legislation, and active guidance and aftercare in refractive surgery make this necessary.
2003
In November 2003, Hofstede Optiek celebrated its 100th anniversary. On November 15, 2003, the Hofstede family received from Mayor Deetman the certificate associated with the title “By Royal Decree, Supplier to the Royal Household.” A tremendous honor and a recognition of 100 years of successful entrepreneurship.
2007
In 2007, Jan and Magdaleen officially retire from Hofstede Optiek, but for a long time they remain involved as advisors, sounding boards, and sparring partners for Norbert and Marloes.
2010
In 2010, another striking renovation takes place. Under the direction of architect Alexander Novotny, Hofstede Optiek undergoes a true transformation in 8 weeks. The result is overwhelming and does not go unnoticed, leading to numerous national and international publications.
2011
In 2011, Hofstede Optiek was honored by the international Retail Institute EHI with the prestigious Euroshop RetailDesign Award.
Present Day
Norbert and Marloes are greatly honored by this award. Knowing them, however, this will not mark the end of innovation, but rather the beginning of a new, equally active and entrepreneurial era—a time in which Hofstede Optiek will continue to distinguish itself as a unique and innovative company with attention to the wishes of its customers.