After many years under the name Samdam Retail, we are continuing our journey under the name where it all began: Arijs.
A new name, but the same passion, the same team, and a fully renewed webshop to serve you even better.
What started as a small workshop in Aalst has grown over the years into a warm family business and a modern specialty store of nearly 990 m².
Today, Arijs offers a wide range of handbags, backpacks, school bags, travel bags, business bags and leather goods, carefully selected for their quality, comfort and style.
Bags made to go with you wherever life takes you.
To school. To work. On the road. Through life.
A wide selection of high-quality bags and leather goods
A family business with years of experience
A store in Aalst and easy online shopping
Personal advice and great service
The story of Arijs begins in 1926, when Mauritz Arijs and his wife Maria De Winter open a small workshop in Aalst. They produce saddles, belts and leather goods, using leather from the Schotte tannery.
When Mauritz passes away at a young age, Maria keeps the business alive through sheer perseverance. She continues running the workshop, even during the 2nd world war, when she makes basjen (tarpaulins) to survive.
With their daughter Cecile Arijs and her husband Jozef D'haese, the business is given its name: Arijs Lederwaren.
The store moves to the Houtmarkt, the assortment expands, and the family story continues.
Arijs grows further with the acquisition of the Ganterie Gaston Samdam stores.
In the 1990s, Arijs takes part in the Aalst Carnival advertising parade.
During our "droi zotte daugen", the slogan rings out:
"Go on a journey with a suitcase from Arijs!"
Since 2015, Wim and Hilde have been at the helm.
They expanded the store in Aalst to nearly 990 m² of shopping pleasure.
A place where you are still genuinely helped in a personal way by our team, with an eye for quality and style.
Until a very advanced age, grandmother Cecile Arijs (also known as Mimi) continued to convince customers in the store of the quality of our bags.
Her energy and love for the craft remain our inspiration.
In 2026, we celebrate our 100 year anniversary.
We mark this milestone with a new branding, a fresh visual identity and a renewed webshop, ready for the future.
Behind this new look lies the same promise we have kept for four generations:
Because when you walk into Arijs, you are not just stepping into a store.
You are stepping into a life story.
