The story of: Lydia Burger

Boekhandel Oostdijk is located in the atmospheric Kerkstraat in the heart of historic Tholen. Where there used to be a large drugstore, you can now find this particularly attractive store. They made the switch from one side of the Kerkstraat to the other in 2021 and are now facing a future in a much wider jacket and a much larger range than before. Once started in the living room with one bookcase, now a shop of almost 350 square meters. Lydia Burger became co-owner in 2003. She is brimming with energy to further her dream.

My father and mother started it once out of necessity. My father became ill and my mother had to take care of five children. That's how I got into it and so I didn't really choose it. At first it wasn't what I wanted at all, but gradually it has become my passion, love and hobby. I sometimes call it my third child. We try to buy products that you don't see in many places and that we fully support and get excited about. We are also a bookstore with a Christian background.

Something for everyone

They sell something for everyone, from books to fun hip gadgets and a nice outlet corner. Boekhandel Oostdijk is not only a shop, but even more an atmospheric meeting place. Many visitors to Boekhandel Oostdijk come from the entire municipality of Tholen, but even as far as England.

Dream on

“We have just made our biggest dream come true, by moving to a large building, but if I can dream further, I would like and be able to do more for the city center and the population of Thool. For example, by organizing events with a lot of nice people around me.

Additional ideas

When asked whether she has any nice ideas to put the Thool shopkeepers in the spotlight, Lydia comes up with the following idea. “You could ask the people from Tholen what their favorite store in Thool is and why? It is important to involve the people of Thool and, if necessary, to reward them with a nice present from their favorite store.”

Another appeal to the people of Thool?

“Come, see, experience and enjoy (and don't forget to buy something). Especially in this time it is extra fun to buy a nice gift. For someone else or just for yourself. No time to visit the store? Then be welcome in our webshop”, concludes Lydia Burger.