The City of Amsterdam recently launched a groundbreaking digital platform known as Bij Ons Amsterdam (With Us Amsterdam) with the aim of championing and bolstering local retailers. In light of the growing popularity of online shopping, traditional brick-and-mortar stores have been grappling with the challenge of sustaining their businesses. To tackle this issue head-on, the local municipality of Amsterdam joined forces with developer Greenhouse Innovation to bring this cutting-edge project to fruition.
At its core, Bij Ons Amsterdam is geared towards enhancing the visibility of local retailers, simplifying the process for residents to discover and patronize these one-of-a-kind establishments. Beyond just showcasing these retailers, the platform extends its support by assisting with digitalization efforts, facilitating the establishment of online ordering systems, forming partnerships with eco-friendly delivery services, and enabling mobile payment solutions. These comprehensive initiatives are strategically designed to incentivize local shopping behaviors and invigorate the city’s economy.
Udo Kock, the visionary leader of Economic Affairs in Amsterdam, underscored the imperative of preserving the rich tapestry of local shops that enrich the urban landscape. He underscored the pivotal role played by the Bij Ons Amsterdam website in propelling Amsterdam-based retailers onto a broader stage, attracting a wider customer base through both online avenues and physical visits. This pioneering initiative is lauded as a pivotal stride towards fortifying the local economy and fortifying small-scale enterprises.
On the digital platform, retailers are empowered to curate their own web pages, advertise exclusive promotions, oversee their social media activities, and engage with their clientele via chat functionalities. The administration interface allows merchants to access the website seamlessly, ensuring effortless navigation. Consumers can tailor their searches based on neighborhood precincts, shopping streets, or specific destinations such as Centrum, 9 Straatjes, or Beethovenstraat. By strolling through a virtual shopping boulevard, prospective buyers can peruse store inventories, ascertain product details, and execute purchases online with ease. Moreover, the website incorporates a search feature for specific commodities or services, simplifying the quest for desired items.
Bij Ons Amsterdam presently showcases a roster of 350 retailers, spotlighting the dynamic and eclectic shopping panorama in Amsterdam. This cutting-edge platform not only bridges the divide between consumers and local businesses but also extends indispensable support and resources to empower retailers in navigating the shifting sands of the digital marketplace successfully. In essence, the City of Amsterdam’s initiative to champion local retailers through Bij Ons Amsterdam stands as a testament to its unwavering dedication to bolstering small-scale enterprises and nurturing economic prosperity within the community.
To learn more about the Bij Ons Amsterdam platform and its impact on Amsterdam’s local businesses, visit their official website here. For further insights on fostering economic growth and supporting small businesses in the urban landscape, explore the resources provided by the City of Amsterdam’s Economic Affairs department here.
