Enter the Dutch sports market with expert guidance and local expertise.

As a specialist in the Dutch sports market, I am your partner for a successful introduction to the Netherlands as a new market. I do this by providing strategic advice, operational support and access to a broad local network.

My services focus on four main areas:

1. Developing retail, showroom or office space – your first location or expansion to more branches

2. Talent recruitment (on behalf of RS lifestyle recruitment)

3. Agent matchmaking – finding the right agent or importer

4. E-commerce in the Dutch market – optimising your Dutch webshop and connecting to local marketplaces.

I understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with entering a new market. Thanks to my years of experience, extensive language skills and eye for cultural differences, I ensure that your company can start and grow quickly and efficiently in the Netherlands.

Contact me for an obligation-free introduction

Expanding your business into the Netherlands

Recruitment and Talent Solutions for the Dutch Sports Market

In collaboration with the renowned Dutch recruitment and selection agency RS Lifestyle Recruitment, I am your partner in finding your team. My network and knowledge of the market, combined with RS Recruitment's many years of experience, offer you security and confidence throughout the recruitment process. Together, we are there for both the candidate and the client.

Matchmaking service with agents and importers

I offer active support in establishing contacts with potential sales agents. Thanks to my extensive experience in sales and business development, I have an extensive network of potential sales partners that you can benefit from immediately.

Development of shops, offices or showrooms

I am actively involved in the successful launch of a first physical location in the Netherlands. My services in this area cover the entire process from A to Z:

Finding the right location for your shop is crucial to the success of your retail business. I help companies not only to find strategically located retail spaces, but also to create an effective and profitable shopping experience.

E-commerce in the Netherlands

Marketplaces such as Bol.com and Amazon offer great opportunities for online success. I help companies with a strategic approach to effectively position and grow on these platforms

Erik Kraij Netherlands Market Entry specialist

Who I am

Erik Kraij - With over 20 years of experience in business development for various international brands, I help companies successfully navigate the cultural and business landscape of the Dutch market. I have supported companies in various segments of the sports market, such as sportswear, footwear, outdoor and lifestyle. Thanks to my experience and hands-on approach, I know how to effectively guide international sports brands in their introduction to the Dutch market.

My approach: hands-on

A hands-on approach means that I not only provide theoretical advice, but am also actively involved in the implementation. I work closely with your team to develop and implement a tailor-made strategy that will help your company grow rapidly in the Netherlands. My approach is practical, transparent and goal-oriented. Thanks to my international experience, I am able to bridge cultural differences and make the most of opportunities.

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For whom.

My clients are companies looking to expand into the Netherlands. My expertise lies mainly in the consumer goods and FMCG sectors. I work not only with established companies, but also with smaller enterprises and start-ups. I offer flexible rates: hourly, monthly, project, commission-based or a combination of these models.

Here you can find a number of practical cases that I have supervised in my career.

Need to know more?

Recruitment and Talent Solutions for the Dutch Sports Market

Matchmaking service with agents and importers

Development of shops, offices or showrooms

I am actively involved in the successful launch of a first physical location in the Netherlands. My services in this area cover the entire process from A to Z:

E-commerce in the Netherlands

Marketplaces such as Bol.com and Amazon offer great opportunities for online success. I help companies with a strategic approach to effectively position and grow on these platforms

About the Netherlands

Small market, big potential. The Netherlands is where your brand meets opportunity.

A strategic and accessible market for international sports brands

The Netherlands is an ideal gateway for international sports, outdoor and lifestyle brands looking to establish themselves or expand in Europe. With over 17.5 million inhabitants and a high level of spending, the Dutch market offers a combination of compactness and purchasing power.

Some key advantages:

Open and innovation-oriented economy

The Netherlands is structurally one of the most competitive economies in the world, with a strong focus on innovation, logistics and digital commerce.

Strategically located in Europe

Central location with direct access to large neighbouring countries such as Germany, Belgium and Scandinavia. Rotterdam is the largest port in Europe and Schiphol is one of the busiest airports.

Digital and brand-sensitive consumers

Dutch consumers are trend-sensitive, sporty and active online – a perfect target group for sports and lifestyle brands.

Entrepreneur-friendly climate

Multilingual talent, excellent infrastructure and a favourable tax and legal climate make it attractive for foreign companies to establish themselves here. International sports brands consciously choose the Netherlands

In short: the Dutch market is small enough to test, large enough to scale up.

NedMatch is happy to help you take the first step — and achieve further sustainable growth.

Trusted by International brands

I am proud to partner with leading international companies on their successful market entry and expansion in the Netherlands and Benelux. Here are some of the brands I am supporting.