“Major fashion entrepreneurs in Putten now come together on a monthly basis”
We start the series with Ben Kooyman. Together with his wife Marjan, he is the owner of Modestal 2.0, a women’s clothing store in Putten. They are entrepreneurs through and through. Ben sees opportunities everywhere and likes to think in solutions. Marjan focuses more on the financial side and takes care of the administration. Modestal 2.0 is a mid-sized store of 450 m² in the mid/high segment. Normally, Ben and a great team of eight women are ready to help shopping customers as well as possible and offer sincere advice.
Impact on the DNA
Since COVID, they have been doing things a little differently. Ben explains:
“2020 has been an emotionally heavy year. Financially, it wasn’t too bad until recently. We have fortunately received a lot of cooperation from partners such as suppliers and our landlord. The year is characterized by an impact on our DNA. For years, we have organized large fashion shows. That is our espresso bar where we meet customers — a real celebration that many people enjoy. That is our DNA, and it has now been affected. Due to external measures, there is nothing you can do.”
With the tightened measures announced by the government on December 15, 2020, Modestal 2.0 was also forced to close its doors. In addition to owning the fashion store, Ben also works two days a week as a Center Manager. He predicts that there will be a lot of vacancy, which personally hurts him deeply:
“As things stand now, it’s not going well. You are fighting for your own income and also for that of the people around you.”
From competitors to colleagues
With a mindset of giving it 100 percent, this entrepreneur has still managed to achieve something positive:
“What I am most proud of is the fact that the major fashion entrepreneurs in Putten now sit down together every month. Instead of competitors, we have become colleagues. Because when it rains for one, it drips for the other.”
He first came up with this idea about five years ago, and COVID has now brought them together on a regular basis.
According to Ben, there is no golden tip for this period:
“Any tip would be inappropriate. The only thing I can say is that you should stay true to yourself. I still see opportunities to survive.”
About Modestal 2.0
Modestal 2.0 has existed since 1978 and offers an extensive women’s collection. The store sells brands such as Geisha, Tramontana, Soaked in Luxury, MOS MOSH, Monari, and Gerry Weber, attractively presented throughout the store. The bar provides a moment of rest, where everyone can enjoy a delicious, freshly made cup of coffee or cappuccino.
