Bijenkorf replaces iconic climbing Petes with bears after 63 years

Department store chain de Bijenkorf is ending a 63-year tradition this year by replacing the classic climbing figures known as klimpieten with teddy bears. The change will be implemented at the four locations where the tradition still persisted, specifically in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, and Amstelveen. Instead of the figures climbing ropes in the stores, customers will now encounter Bob the Bear, a character that has been featured by the retailer since the 1980s. According to the company, the bear will serve as a new helper to Saint Nicholas to bring wonder and festive cheer to the stores. This decision follows a history of modifications to the store decorations, including the introduction of gold-colored figures in 2015 to align with the company's evolving brand identity. The retailer has noted that they remain sensitive to societal discussions surrounding the Sinterklaas tradition while moving into this new chapter of their holiday presentation.