Josévan Dijk studio has transformed a cannery store in Amsterdam into a multi-brand store for footwear brand ETQ, adding walls lined with sneakers, white metal display stands and heavy concrete furniture. The store was originally approached by ETQ to simply create a shoe store for their brand. However, during the design process, the concept shifted from a single-brand sneaker retailer to a multi-brand fashion store. To reflect the brand’s cherished small, clean aesthetic, the studio created a stripped-back space by removing existing details and ornamentation within the building.
The Josévan Dijk studio transformed a cannery store in Amsterdam into a multi-brand store for footwear brand ETQ. The design features walls lined with sneakers, white metal display stands, and heavy concrete furniture. The store was originally approached by ETQ to simply create a shoe store for their brand. However, during the design process, the concept shifted from a single-brand sneaker retailer to a multi-brand fashion store. 
To reflect the brand’s cherished small, clean aesthetic, the studio created a stripped-back space by removing existing details and ornamentation within the building. The walls were sandblasted and grey concrete covers the entire floor and stairs. Josévan Dijk said: “Minimalism and honest detail and materials were the ultimate challenge during the design process, but the most difficult part was getting rid of all the unnecessary detail.”
On the ground floor, white concrete blocks are used to showcase accessories and magazines, while clothing is hung from thin metal rails fixed to the concrete walls. A set of grey concrete stairs leads down to the basement. Here, 200 rods are used to display sneakers on the walls in a grid-like formation.
Due to the heavy concrete furniture – including display units that weigh over 2,000 kg – the building’s floor had to be strengthened and reinforced to prevent the lower floors from collapsing under the pressure of the furniture and lifting equipment. Additional concrete volumes are incorporated within the fitting rooms and staff areas, each one integrating with the floor.
Project Information:
Architect: Josévan Dijk
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Year: 2023
Photographer: © Josévan Dijk
