Vintage
Instead of buying what everyone else is buying, vintage shopping is becoming more and more popular. Vintage shoppers make themselves stand out from the rest by combining different styles of used clothes. Hilversum is a particularly good place for vintage, as the Leeuwenstraat is a great place for finding cheap used clothes. This street has recently lived up with the opening of several vintage stores, but the late 2000s economic crisis kicked in right after which had a big impact on the area.
Platenhuis 't Oor
Used record store with mostly urban music, like reggae and hiphop. Also has a limited selection of vinyls. You can ask the staff if you are looking for a specific cd or vinyl.
Other stores
De Hilversumse Boekhandel
One of the better bookshops in the town, it has as a travel and English literature section. Also plenty of books about Hilversum and the Gooi area.
Van Beek's Rijwielhandel
Hilversum is a great place for biking, this is a good place for repairs and accessories. If you bring your bike in the morning, it will be repaired in the late afternoon, and you get a temporary bike for the day.
Wereldwinkel
As the name suggests, this is a 'world store'. Instead of focusing on rampant consumerism, this store cares about respect for mankind and the environment. It only buys products from third world countries for a 'fair price'. With this philosophy, buying here could improve the living standards of poor societies elsewhere.
ANWB
Shop for travellers. They have everything, from travel guides to first aid packs and from camping gear to travel insurance. They also have excellent hiking and cycling guides for the Gooi area.
De Globetrotter
This store sells small handmade tribal objects, like instruments, paintings, accessories and furnitures. The focus is on Aboriginal Australian, Native American and Far Eastern cultures. Some of the gypsy clothes they sell are even considered trendy.
Toko Mee Sin
This shop has a wide range of Eastern spices, like more than 60 different kinds of sambal. They also sell many kinds of exotic snacks. Ask the staff what you are buying, or you might be in for a surpise!
Boutiques
De Bunker
Very trendy shop, especially for wealthier younger audiences between the ages of 15 and 25. De Bunker-branded handbags are worn by hipsters all over the country. Some of its brands are BlueBlood, Diesel, Fornarina, Hugo Boss, Indian Rose, J.C. Crags and more.
Blanche
This women's fashion store is located a bit further away from Gooische Brink, but does deserve its place in the list for the fair share of exclusive brands available. Especially their Danish design labels are interesting, but they also have labels from Germany, the Netherlands, Spain and elsewhere in Europe.
Fastenau
A combination of women's clothing and designer products. They have a wide selection of trendy Scandinavian clothing, as well as exclusive design products from Italy, Denmark, Finland and Germany, with brands like Stelton, Alessi, Arabia-Iittala, Georg Jensen and Zack.
Toute Fabienne
This is the best place if you want to go home in style. Some of Holland's biggest stars are known to browse here, such as Froukje de Both, and the Dutch fashion show Passion for Fashion also visited. Some of their brands are particularly exclusive, such as Atos Lombardini, Lotus London, Malene Birger and PRC.
Due to the wealthy demographic and the presence of Dutch celebrities, Hilversum is an excellent place for upscale shopping. The place to be is Gooische Brink Shopping Center, which is actually not more than an open square connected with a small covered path. Due to the high prices, it might feel a bit empty in this area, but some of the most trendy boutiques can be found here. Don't expect any discount!
Differenza
Following the latest fashion trends, it's a typical women clothing boutique for the area. It features trendy Danish clothing brands like Vero Moda and Vila, as well as other brands like Pieces and Only.
Duetz Menswear
Upscale store for men's fashion, mostly suits. Tommy Hilfiger, Gant, Burberry, Corneliani and Ralph Lauren are some of the brands.
Covergirl & Touchdown
Fashion boutique for young and trendy women. Expect brands like Armani, Antony Morato, Dolce & Gabbana, Ibana Rouge, Le Temps des Cherises, Miss Sixty and more.