In early 2022, the US lifestyle company Fossil Group Inc. opened its new Benelux office in Hoofddorp’s Park 20|20, one of Europe’s most sustainable business parks. The park’s high sustainability ambitions chime perfectly with the company’s own. We spoke to Maurice Hendrix, Fossil’s territory lead for Europe North about the company’s move to Park 20|20.
Arrival in Hoofddorp
In the search for its new Benelux office, Fossil Group focused on finding a sustainable location that was easily reachable for guests and for the company’s employees – those working in the office as well as employees of the Fossil stores across the country. Having opened the Fossil Group BNL office in 1993 and the first Fossil Store in Amsterdam in 1998, having a good connection between office and shops was an important criterion for the company – and the fact that Park 20|20 is next door to the train station and minutes from the motorway ensures easy access from cities across the country. Of the company’s Dutch retail locations, the majority are now no more than 45 minutes from the office.
A global company
International accessibility, guaranteed by the proximity of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and the interconnectedness of Europe’s rail network, is another important factor for Fossil Group as a global retailer and manufacturer. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Richardson U.S. Fossil Group Inc. is a global design, marketing, distribution and innovation company specializing in lifestyle accessories. Offerings include traditional watches, smartwatches, jewelry, handbags, small leather goods, belts and sunglasses. Its wide portfolio comprises owned brands, Fossil, Michele, Relic, Skagen and Zodiac, and licensed brands, Armani Exchange, Diesel, DKNY, Emporio Armani, Kate Spade New York, Michael Kors, PUMA and Tory Burch. With its products sold also at hundreds dealerships in the Netherlands, Fossil Group is among the biggest watch and jewelry companies in the Benelux.
“We want to be where the consumer and business are” - Maurice Hendrix, Territory lead for Europe North at Fossil
A central location in the Amsterdam Area
Within the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area, Hoofddorp is ideal not just for accessibility, but also for attracting talent, according to Hendrix. “Despite the difficult labour market, we’ve managed to find talent at this new location. The Fossil Group brands have appeal.” Hoofddorp is also a hub for consumer goods companies, says Hendrix. “We want to be where the consumer and the business are.” Flexibility is key in the way we work and our new office facilitates this. Staff are in the office three days a week and work from home for the other two. There are flexible meeting rooms, and if necessary, additional rooms can be hired at a nearby hotel.
High standards for sustainability
But the key element in the choice of Park 20|20 was sustainability. Fossil Group’s Good for the Planet commitments prioritize transforming to a low carbon business model, reducing the Company's environmental impact, and creating more responsible products. These priorities are aligned with Park 20|20’s exceptional sustainability credentials. As the world’s first cradle-to-cradle business park, it is built with re- and upcycled materials, and its operations are energy-neutral. The new Benelux office now offers a green home for the company’s Hoofddorp employees, and a friendly, easily accessible meeting point for the other dedicated Fossil Group staff located around the Netherlands and Belgium.
