Nestled in a Maastricht, Traders Pop offers a selection of clothing, art books, and magazines that are otherwise unobtainable in regular mainstream stores
Maastricht street cowboys
The name Traders Pop is the moniker given to a concept store tucked away in the town of Maastricht, where the founders’ preference for trading over traditional business practices is reflected in the store’s ethos. The store’s genesis dates back to the early eighties, when the founders started purchasing second-hand furniture to resell. Their love for trading was what inspired the name Traders.
The addition of Pop was a nod to the store’s focus on pop culture and contemporary lifestyle, which it curates through an array of hard-to-find products. Nestled in a small town, Traders Pop offers a selection of clothing, art books, and magazines that are otherwise unobtainable in regular mainstream stores. They sell brands including Comme Des Garçons play, Stüssy, Carhartt, YMC, and Stan Ray.
Creative Circus: Traders Pop
«The allure of high fashion is undeniable. It’s a world that captivates and inspires, a circus that comes to town twice a year. It’s something to be enjoyed and celebrated. However, we need to remember that it’s not a world in which we should aspire to live. It’s a spectacle, a performance, and not reflective of reality», says Guido Waterval.
«At our shop, we understand the value of the circus but choose not to replicate it. Instead, we take inspiration from the catwalks and translate it into our own selection of vintage products. Each piece is curated to reflect the current season and remain relevant. The result is a collection that is both modern and affordable, accessible to everyone in our local community».
Locality is a reality: Traders Pop
The presence of the community has given rise to a local spot where everybody can gather and share their experiences. «We have a student community here in Maastricht. Around eight thousand foreign students enhance this small town. It’s an International mix. We also have a bar next door as a part of Traders Pop. And all of this is a part of the atmosphere».
At the same time many representations of culture in a small city are missing, from good record stores to guitar shops, that’s why development and presence of the local spots like Traders Pop are crucial for the city, Mr.Waterval laments.
As the founders point out, many of these career possibilities in the real world are neglected, leaving small towns without the same level of activity and opportunity as larger cities. However, they argue that it’s still possible to exist in both worlds, to be a part of the online community while also embracing the locality and reality.
Traders Pop – introducing niche markets to a small town
Zoe Numan, a young painter, visited Traders Pop five years ago for the first time. She became a part of the team since then. «When I first arrived, I was impressed by the magazine selection. I didn’t expect to find such a variety in a small city like this. The shop has become a meeting point for people to gather, have discussions, and connect with each other. It’s more than just a shopping experience for me». Specific choices of magazines and books are made based on many factors, as founders shared. First things first, escapism in a good sense.
«In today’s society, we’re constantly bombarded with choices and decisions to make, from choosing a school, to finding a career and making a living, all while trying to figure out our own identity. It can be overwhelming and there’s a lot of pressure to succeed. That’s where information comes in, and not just any information, but the kind that nourishes and inspires us, providing the keys to escape the narrowness of our daily lives. That’s why we need mechanisms to help us carve out our own space where we can feel comfortable and find inspiration».
Music: From Chet Baker to Charles Mingus’ band
Waterval’s brothers passion for music found its reflection in Trader Pop’s wide array of records.
«We would wait for the record store owner to receive his new deliveries, sitting there with anticipation until the postman arrived with the boxes. Although the owner would often be annoyed with our eagerness, we were determined to be the first to know about the latest music releases. This excitement was not just limited to music, as it extended to magazines and everything else. We cover all genres from jazz to dance, from bossa nova to Japanese hip hop».
«In the 1980s, when we first opened our bar, we dedicated several years to hosting live jazz concerts featuring some of the biggest names in the genre. From Chet Baker to Charles Mingus’ band, John Scofield, Mike Stern, and Steve Gant, we poured all the money we made back into music. However, as the years went on, house music began to gain popularity and we shifted our focus to cater to this new crowd while still maintaining our love for jazz. While we never completely abandoned our roots, we enthusiastically embraced the new trends that emerged, and we continue to evolve with the times».
Traders Pop
Heggenstraat 16, 6211 GW Maastricht, Netherlands. Concept store Traders Pop was founded by the Waterval brothers. Always looking at contemporary and global culture, they have created spaces for experiencing all of its trickled down aspects in ordinary life.
