Dordrecht shopping survey reveals top-rated areas and key challenges for local businesses
Dordrecht residents have spoken: Sterrenburg shopping centre leads with an 8.1 rating, while the city centre struggles with greenery and vacancies. The survey highlights opportunities to improve local shopping experiences and support entrepreneurs in revitalising neighbourhoods.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top-rated shopping centre | Sterrenburg (8.1) |
| City centre ratings | Shops: 7.3, Hospitality: 7.5 |
| Vacancy rates | Slightly higher than average, but improving (e.g., Rejoes on Visstraat) |
| Home boulevard trend | Slight drop in turnover, following national post-pandemic decline |
| Key improvement areas | Cleanliness, safety, greenery, and outdoor space maintenance |
| Survey participants | Residents of Dordrecht (Randstad Shopping Flow Survey, September 2025) |
| Next steps | New policies for shops and neighbourhood centres to be presented in 2026 |
The municipality of Dordrecht plays a crucial role in shaping local retail and urban development policies. By conducting surveys like the Randstad Shopping Flow Survey, the municipality gathers data to collaborate with entrepreneurs and improve the attractiveness and functionality of shopping areas.
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Results of the Shopping Flow Survey: This is how Dordtenaren rate the shopping areas
In September 2025, many residents participated in the Randstad Shopping Flow Survey. They indicated where they shop and how they experience Dordrecht’s shopping areas. The results were announced on 12 March. The findings will help the municipality and entrepreneurs further improve the shopping areas.
Sterrenburg scores highest
Shopping centre Sterrenburg received the highest rating from Dordtenaren: an 8.1. It is also where most daily groceries are purchased. The recent renovation of the shopping centre has played a major role in this. Other neighbourhood shopping centres continue to perform well but have lost some ground due to Sterrenburg’s strong position. In these centres, the outdoor space is a key point of attention: residents feel that the areas around the shops could be cleaner, safer, and better maintained.
Shopping offering in Dordrecht
The number of shops in Dordrecht is comparable to other medium-sized cities. However, there are fewer hospitality businesses and vacancy rates are slightly higher. This is mainly due to several large premises in and around the city centre, such as the former locations of V&D, Primark, and Bristol. Good news is that some of these large premises have since been filled again, such as Rejoes on Visstraat.
City centre remains attractive but lacks greenery
The survey shows that city centres in medium-sized cities attract fewer visitors than before. Large cities such as Rotterdam and Breda have been gaining ground since the coronavirus period. Dordrecht remains attractive thanks to its historic city centre, which is highly valued by residents:
- 7.3 for the shops
- 7.5 for the hospitality sector
The main area for improvement is the lack of greenery. A major advantage is the excellent accessibility by bike.
Home boulevard follows national trend
The Dordtse home boulevard has seen a slight drop in turnover. This aligns with the national picture: during the coronavirus period, many home improvement projects were undertaken, causing home boulevards to perform exceptionally well at the time.
What’s next?
All results of the survey can be found at Randstad 2025 – Koopstromen. The municipality is working with entrepreneurs to develop new policies for shops and neighbourhood shopping centres. These will be presented later this year. A letter about the survey has also been sent to the municipal council.