I love thrift stores in general, and this one in particular. I get the impression that there isn't…read morethe same sort of fascination with groovy thrift store finds in Europe as there is in America, or at least the San Francisco Bay Area. I have this impression because I rarely see shoppers under forty at the Pikulan, and because their items are dirt cheap. It's my one regular stop in the Netherlands where I don't feel the painful effect of the weak dollar in comparison to the stronger Euro. If my observation is correct, please don't tell the young people of Surhuisterveen how great thrift store shopping is! The last thing I want is for their prices to go up, or for a crowd to be there the next time I go in. As an added bonus, their staff is friendly and always helpful. They're a tad shy about speaking English and ik spreek niet so goed Nederlands af Fries. That said, it's never stopped them from giving me top-notch service. The items are clean and very well organized. If you come at certain times, you can enjoy a very nice coffee hour with locals and employees for a small donation. And the best part? It's for charity! While it doesn't necessarily elevate shopping to a noble deed, it sure beats padding corporate profits.

This is a big crazy barn full of used items arranged into stations managed by helpful employees. I…read moremust be honest in stating that it's a bit overwhelming for an English speaker. It especially was my first time there, when I got dreadfully lost on the way there and showed up already frazzled moments before there were closing. A month ago I made it back under somewhat calmer circumstances (well, not really, I had a child with me then). An important thing to know about the experience is that each station requires payment in its area. The manager from the next area won't know what to charge you for items in the preceding area and then you'll have to go back. Confusion will ensue. Once you know how it works, I can almost guarantee you that you will find some amazing antique or cool rare item in almost every area. The pricing is a little erratic, but very fair in general. It was here that I had my most incredible shopping deal ever: a genuine antique baby pram with bedding and the original receipt for twenty five Euros! I haven't managed to get it in my luggage (or to have a baby) but it's still the best find EVER! My family in Friesland has put it to some use, luckily. The only section of Lichtpunt I pass on is the clothing. For clothing, I prefer Pikulan. Otherwise, check this place out! (Confirm the hours before you go. They're not open a lot.)