Welcome to my Little Shop of Horrors
I’m Nikita Storm. You might know me from Rockkroeg Kanslös, the Alchemist films, the Metal Facility Management video's or a festival metal market. Now I’m bringing another piece of that world home: a heavy metal shop in The Hague, with an online counterpart for browsing without leaving your crypt.
Band and film shirts, studded belts, patches, flags, and Iarann Rag’s chainmail jewellery and awesome outfits: that’s the sort of company I keep here. Alongside the clothing and accessories, you’ll find films and soundtracks from the Kanslös world.
A family business, with a darker wardrobe
Running a business from home feels natural to me. In 1939, my grandfather opened his dental practice at Laan van Meerdervoort 206. There have been family businesses in our house ever since.
I grew up playing with the children of the local shopkeepers and making chocolate eggs in the baker’s kitchen at Easter. Behind the shop was the shop owner’s home, and the neighbourhood was full of familiar faces. After closing my financial advice business, Zwart op Wit, I decided it was time for a different kind of business at the same address. Fewer financial files. More metal.
Metal, movies and making things happen
I’m the former owner of Rockkroeg Kanslös and the director and producer of the Alchemist films. I also provide Metal Facility Management services on site. Music and filmmaking aren’t separate worlds tucked away from this shop; they’re part of its story.
The Alchemist films grew out of friends, improvisation and buildings we wanted to preserve on screen before leaving them behind. They’re absurd, rough around the edges and very much our own. You can explore that side of things at Kanslös Films.
You can also find me on IMDb.
Visit my YouTube channel for MFM videos and festival videos.
Why Hallowe’en? Why not?
I’ve been celebrating Hallowe’en since 1995. Autumn deserves a party, and dressing up, a little mystery and a cheerful fright make a rather good combination. So choosing October 31st for the shop’s opening felt entirely appropriate. Especially since I got dicked out of my Grand Bloody Opening of Rockkroeg Kanslös on Hallowe'en 2010 when suddenly the city counsil found the permits they issued themselves incorrect.
That love of Hallowe’en also inspired the Trick or Treat initiative around Koningsplein and Sweelinckplein. For me, it’s a way to bring Regentessekwartier and Duinoord together, welcoming long-time neighbours and newcomers alike. The children used to ask whether our house was a haunted house. With a Little Shop of Horrors to decorate, I finally have something to work with.
Visit the shop
The shop is open on Saturdays from 11.00 hrs till 18.00 hrs (22.00 hrs on Hallowe'en), except when I hit the road for a festival. During any other day please just give me a ring and make an appointment (usually that can be the same day) for a personal shopping experience. I'll lovingly go through everything with you and find exactly what you like.
Whether you’re here for your favourite band, a patch for your jacket or a film with a deeply questionable sense of humour, welcome.
Be there, if you dare.
Nikita Storm