Headquarters vanHaren shoes - Waalwijk

vanHaren, a widely known name in the Netherlands, has its roots deeply rooted in the shoe industry since the year 1929. It all started when Ivo van Haren took his first steps in shoe production in picturesque Waalwijk. Now, over 95 years later, vanHaren has developed into one of the largest and most respected shoe retailers in the Netherlands. With nearly 150 shops across the country and a thriving online presence, vanHaren has gained a firm foothold in the hearts of shoe lovers.

Although the company has grown in size, the core of vanHaren remains firmly rooted in Waalwijk, where both its head office and logistics centre are located. The history of vanHaren dates back to the early 20th century, when father Johannes van Haren and his sons started a leather business in Baardwijk/Waalwijk. It was son Ivo van Haren who set up his own leather business in 1923, which eventually led to the establishment of the Ivo van Haren shoe factory in 1927.

What set vanHaren apart at the time was their unique approach of exclusive production for their own shops, together with the use of unit prices. This strategy led to considerable success, with vanHaren already employing 1,400 people by 1937 and reaching an impressive weekly production of 21,000 pairs of shoes. Despite the challenges of the war and the subsequent takeover in 1985 by Deichman schuhe, vanHaren remains a powerful player in the shoe market. Today, the former factory building has given way to a modern designer shop, while vanHaren's head office and a large distribution centre are still proudly located on the arterial road in Waalwijk.

Photo: ©VisitBrabant Routebureau