Federatie Aaltense Middenstand (FAM)

The Federatie Aaltense Middenstand (FAM) was an active association of local businesses in Aalten, founded in 1949 and later absorbed into other business organisations. During its existence, the FAM played an important role in promoting the local shopping area, organising campaigns for shoppers and representing the interests of local retailers and other small businesses.

Immediately after the Second World War, an association of Aalten drapers and tailors was established in May 1945. At the time, Aalten had more than forty textile shops. In 1949, these business owners eventually merged into the Federatie Aaltense Middenstand (FAM). At its foundation, the FAM had 105 members. Large retail businesses and national chains that opened branches in Aalten generally did not join.

Board and members

A photograph from 1974, taken to mark the FAM’s 25th anniversary, shows board members from its early years. The names given are:

• Seated: H.J. Weijers (confectionery and lunchroom) – Wim Leerink (textile retailer on Kerkstraat) – H.Th. Jansen
• Standing: Geling (household and fancy-goods shop) – Van Wal (bookshop on Landstraat)

Activities and public profile

The FAM was highly active in Aalten’s retail and community life:

• During the festive month of December, the shopping streets were decorated with festive lighting and the FAM helped organise the arrival of Sinterklaas.
• A well-known promotion was the “FAM campaign”: customers of participating retailers received stamps with their purchases, which could be collected on a savings card. Completed cards could be exchanged for a chance to win cash prizes ranging from 5 to 250 guilders.
• Outside the winter season, the FAM also organised a summer clearance market. The association was also involved in discussions about the layout and development of Aalten’s shopping area.

Decline and succession

Over time, membership declined and it became increasingly difficult to find board members. In 1999, the FAM organised its final large consumer fair at Activiteitencentrum De Pol, attended by all participating members. The well-known darts player Raymond van Barneveld gave a demonstration.

Today, local business owners are represented by NOVA (Nieuwe Ondernemers Vereniging Aalten).