Author: Gilbert

Gilbert is 45 jaar geleden voor het eerst met de hangmatten in Zuid Amerika in aanraking gekomen en heeft zijn eerste Mexicaanse hangmatten verkocht in 1976 op de hippiemarkt in Santa Eulalia, Ibiza, toen nog gewoon vanaf een kleedje. Vanaf 1982 gingen wij onder de naam Marañon verder met eigen winkels. Eerst in de Hartenstraat en later op de Herengracht en Bloemenmarkt, allen in Amsterdam en franchises in Barcelona, Cannes, Milan en Cesme in Turkije. Nu hebben wij ook een winkel op Bonaire. Dicht bij de Zuid Amerikaanse kust, waar al onze hangmatten, hangstoelen en loungers gemaakt worden. Wij blijven de bakermat van de hangmat trouw.

Investors wanted for top hammock store in Aruba.

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Investing in the most beautiful hammock shop in the Caribbean

A unique opportunity to invest in a proven concept with a vision for the future.

Pioneer in hammocks since 1982

In 1982, we were the first in Europe to start selling hammocks, initially as a sideline in our shop on Hartenstraat – one of Amsterdam’s famous Nine Streets. Demand quickly grew, and in 1992, we opened the first specialized hammock shop outside South America, right in the heart of the Amsterdam Flower Market. With 150m² of hammocks, chairs, and loungers, we were literally and figuratively on the map.

Our store became a true phenomenon. Both Dutch newspapers and international media outlets like the New York Times and Architectura wrote about us. The hammock’s popularity exploded, and we were the catalyst behind that movement in Europe.

International success & growing competition

The market grew rapidly. Our biggest deal – 17,000 hammocks for Walmart in Austin, Texas – was a major highlight. But with success came a downside: more and more companies jumped into selling hammocks, prioritizing quantity over quality. Cheap imitations from China flooded the market. Even in our store, Chinese traders with cameras were lying on the floor, copying our concept.

At the same time, sales increasingly shifted to online platforms, with price becoming more important than craftsmanship, materials, comfort, or design. This erased the distinction between quality and mass production.

New phase on Bonaire: rediscovering quality

In 2017, we sold our shop at the Flower Market. In 2019, we seized the opportunity to open a new store in a prime location on the main street of Kralendijk, Bonaire. Our vision: customers should be able to see, feel, and experience hammocks. You only truly recognize quality in a physical store.

The store on Bonaire, which we opened in mid-December 2019, was an instant success. Until COVID-19 broke out in January 2020 and the island went into lockdown in March 2020. Our inventory was ready, a new collection was on the horizon – everything ground to a halt. When the war in Ukraine broke out in 2022 and FedEx terminated our favorable shipping agreements to the US, we decided not to renew our lease. Ironically, a month later we did find a new shipping solution, but the retail space was already taken.

What we do now

We no longer have a physical store, but our knowledge, passion, and international networks are stronger than ever. We work with top weavers in Colombia and producers in Brazil, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. All our products are designed and developed based on decades of experience, using only high-quality materials.

We don’t compromise on quality. This is especially crucial for hammock stands – and that’s where the market falls short. Most wooden stands split easily. That’s why our stands are made of pressed bamboo, aluminum, or stainless steel. Our designer stand for loungers and hanging chairs – developed in collaboration with Chinese partners – is currently the best product on the market: spacious, strong, innovative, and without a single complaint since its launch.

Innovation & design: proven experience

We have a history of design development. In 1996, we launched a design competition for the best hammock stand, in collaboration with Galerij KIS in Amsterdam. Students from the Design Academy Eindhoven participated. Marianne Meinema won with the polished stainless steel Zig Zag frame – screwless, seamless, and adjustable in two positions. A true example of innovative design.

The future: a new store in the Caribbean

We’re ready for the next step. Our plan: to open the most beautiful hammock shop in the Caribbean – on Aruba or Curaçao. Not just any shop, but a place where quality and experience are paramount. Where people can experience the peace, comfort, and beauty of a truly good hammock. A shop that focuses on the higher end and positions itself as an expert in the use of hammocks, hanging chairs, and loungers – not only outdoors, but especially indoors as well. A segment that is still completely untapped.

We have the designs, products, suppliers, professionals, and experience. What we’re looking for is one or more investors who want to partner with us to realize this unique opportunity.

What we offer

  • A proven concept with an international name and fame.
  • Exclusive, quality products that cannot be found anywhere else.
  • Production partners in Colombia, China, Brazil and Europe, among others.
  • Sell and ship to USA & Canada directly from the Netherlands – so no need to take it with you.
  • Full support in design, production, marketing and sales.
  • A unique shopping experience in a vibrant tourist market.

Investment & Opportunities

The required investment depends on the location, size, and layout of the store. We are open to discussions and are happy to help you plan your launch, development, and operations. A store in Curaçao is also an option.

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We are looking for one or more investors who would like to implement these plans with us.