JUTTU Festively Opens its Doors in Mechelen!

Thursday was the day: the Belgian concept store Juttu festively opened its newest store on the IJzerenleen, and I was there to soak up the atmosphere! From the moment I arrived, I felt an atmosphere I couldn’t describe. A line of curious shoppers was already lined up, waiting for the magical moment when the doors opened.

At the stroke of 10 a.m., the ribbon was cut together with city alderman Alexander Vandersmissen and the first visitors poured in enthusiastically. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and delicious chai latte from BARÙ filled the space, while the enthusiastic team from Juttu welcomed everyone with open arms. I stared my eyes out: a beautifully decorated, colorful store full of fashion, decoration, beauty and food, truly a place where you keep looking around and getting inspired. Read more below the photos

Why JUTTU in Mechelen?

The choice of Mechelen was no accident, a staff member told me as I browsed the shelves. The city is vibrant and growing as a shopping town, and the combination of a young student population and loyal Mechelen shoppers made it the perfect match. According to Alderman for Economy and Entrepreneurship Alexander Vandersmissen, the IJzerenleen is a draw for hip concept stores: “Shops want to locate here because it is a dynamic place where there is always movement.”

It is notable, though, that more and more stores want to locate in Mechelen after all. Why is that, do you think? “Well, what we see is that of course Mechelen is an attractive city for tourists, but also for shoppers, for people who want to come and eat. We also have our shopping shuttle, which brings more and more people to the city and continues to grow with spectacular numbers. People are also coming to the city more and more by bike, so you feel it’s getting busier. Mechelen is a bit of a place where you like to stay for many reasons, and of course, yes then it also becomes more interesting for chains or stores in our city” says Vandersmissen

Do you see that somewhere in figures or do you hear that from the merchants themselves that it is getting busier after all, people coming to shop? “The footfall figures, indeed, show that year after year more people are in town. The hospitality industry also continues to grow. So you feel that this positive spiral is there, and that’s a good thing. But then, of course, we have to keep investing in the city“

A Belgian store with a Scandinavian touch

Although the name Juttu sounds Scandinavian, the concept is purely Belgian. The store feels fresh and trendy, and you could tell from the first reactions. Ladies immediately found their liking on the ground floor among brands like Ichi and Nümph, while men were sent up the stairs to their own fashion paradise with brands like Selected and Revolution.

One of the most unique elements of each Juttu store is the artwork designed especially for the city. In Mechelen, graphic designer Alex Verswijvel got the honor. His blue line pattern on the elevator refers to the Dijle River and of course contains a nod to the Maneblussers. Although the artwork will not be officially installed and unveiled until next week, I was already able to catch a glimpse and it looks great!

An Opening Weekend to Savour

The opening weekend will be made extra special with some fun surprises. Hostesses with giant Juttu shopping bags will roam the city on Saturday handing out vouchers, while love poems will pop up as stickers in unexpected places. Those who stop by this opening weekend will be rewarded with 10% off and a sweet surprise: delicious moon-shaped cookies as a nod to the Maneblussers. There’s good news for foodies, too: on Saturday, MADMAX will drop by with their artisanal, spicy oil. Read more below the photos

Conclusion? Juttu is an absolute asset to Mechelen!

I can’t wait to visit here more often. Whether you are looking for a new outfit, a cool gift or just some inspiration, Juttu Mechelen is a place where you walk out with a smile. Have you visited the new hotspot yet?