The Mystery Parcels store at Amsterdam’s Waterlooplein flea market has the air of a circus attraction. Sitting among rows of unopened packages, founder Jules Kenbeek — wearing a literal ringmaster’s jacket — beckons to a group of tourists, encouraging them to take their pick.
“I’m addicted to this kind of stuff,” says Figo van der Kraan, a student in his 20s, as he’s guided to a ceremonial red couch to unbox two mystery parcels. He picked them after carefully handling several others, trying to gauge the shape and heft of the items inside. Visiting with friends from Hannover, Germany, van der Kraan was intrigued when he spotted the store. He’d seen similar mystery-box offers online, but he says experiencing one in person was a novelty he couldn’t resist. “I’m always attracted to things like this because it’s a gamble and I like the dopamine rush.”