For 85 years Electro World Stadhouder has been a household name in The Hague and surrounding areas.

Hague family business Electro World Stadhouder at Thomsonplein in The Hague celebrates its 85th anniversary today with the opening of a temporary exhibition of retro appliances through the years. Alderman Robert van Asten opened the exhibition together with Ton Stadhouder, the 85-year-old father of third-generation owners Ted and Rianne Stadhouder. To put together this special exhibit, Electro World Stadhouder called on its customers and local residents - with a nostalgic nod to the past - to loan Stadhouder their appliances of yesteryear. In fact, after World War II, the white and brown goods store ran a campaign called "Bring Your Hiding Device Here," referring to the banned radios during the war. The exhibition can be seen from today in the store windows and store at Thomsonplein 15 in The Hague.

Main photo: From left to right: Ton, Corine, Ted and Rianne Stadhouder with Alderman Robert van Asten. © Jort Stengs

How it all began
In 1940 Theo Stadhouder (grandfather) started repairing radios in The Hague, laying the foundation for the company. First located on Leersumstraat and later on Pijnboomstraat 85. At the age of 42, Theo died, leaving his son Ton (then 18 years old) to take over the helm along with his mother. When he later married, his wife Corine also joined the store. In 1968, Electro World Stadhouder moved to Thomson Square. First at number 14, later several premises were connected. Their son Ted, the current owner, drove with the field service as a 15-year-old to deliver and install stuff. In 2000, he and his wife Rianne took over the business permanently from his parents. Over the years, Ted and Rianne continued to expand the business. Vacant storefronts were purchased left and right, and with an enthusiastic team they provide many in the region with televisions, refrigerators, washing machines, built-in appliances and the latest audio gadgets.

Temporary exhibition
To mark the anniversary, a temporary exhibit has been put together in the store. Eye-catcher is an original "hiding radio" from World War II - a tangible piece of history preserved by the family. The exhibit also shows how the assortment has evolved over 85 years: from home-made radios to modern TVs and kitchen appliances. Many of the products that used to be sold - such as vacuum cleaners and irons - are also highlighted. The exhibition is not only a tribute to founder (grandfather) Theo, but also to the three generations of Stadhouder who have made the company what it is today.


Photo above: impression of temporary exhibit. Photo below: Ted and Rianne Stadhouder with alderman Robert van Asten. © Jort Stengs

Festive month of May
The entire month of May is dedicated to the 85th anniversary. There will be celebrations for the family story, customers and employees. Because without them, this milestone would not have been possible. Ted, who worked in the business as a teenager, now runs the company together with his wife Rianne. Their sons Leon and Olaf literally grew up among the equipment and customer stories. In 85 years a lot has changed, but one thing has remained the same: service. Electro World Stadhouder is known for personal attention, expert advice, its own delivery staff and short lines of communication. "We often know our customers for years," says Ted. "And we solve problems the way you do in a family: directly and with attention."

The anniversary is celebrated with gratitude. "We are proud of where we are now. And we owe that to our customers and our team, which feels like family. We hope everyone will come to us for a long time to come - whether it's for a new vacuum cleaner or just for a good conversation."