Supermarket cartoon: hamsters at the AH, mice at the Hoogvliet
Two supermarkets, two kinds of rodent and one big seek-and-find picture: that is this cartoon by Hans Esser. At the top, hamsters strip a blue Albert Heijn bare; at the bottom, mice raid the cheese counter of a red Hoogvliet in Soest, the Netherlands. A balcony links the two shops. Seen from a distance, each half hides an animal face. Below you see the whole poster; each half also has its own page with a larger image.
One seek-and-find picture, two supermarkets
The poster is built in portrait, like a building with two floors. On top is the Albert Heijn, with long blue shelves that are almost completely empty. Below is the Hoogvliet, where the shelves are not empty but gnawed. A curved balcony in the middle links both shops and guides the eye from top to bottom.
Something is happening everywhere: a hamster with a banana, a mouse dragging a block of cheese, trolleys taking the corner overloaded. It is a true seek-and-find picture in which you spot something new every time.
How the two halves mirror each other
Hans Esser built the two halves as mirror images, each with a small twist:
- Colour: everything blue on top, everything red below, the house colours of the two shops.
- Animal: brown hamsters with chubby cheeks above, grey mice with pink ears below.
- Behaviour: the hamsters take everything away and leave empty shelves; the mice eat on the spot and leave holes.
- Hidden face: a hamster face with a tomato nose on top, a mouse head with dark berry eyes below.
Each half up close
Each half has its own page with a larger image and the details explained. Read more about the top half with the hoarding hamsters at the AH or the bottom half with the mice in the Hoogvliet in Soest.
Why a detailed cartoon poster works so well
A seek-and-find picture holds attention: people keep looking, point out details and talk about it. That is why such a poster works in a canteen, waiting room or shop, and on social media, where people zoom in and comment. A recognisable place with a twist does the rest.
Want one for your company or club? See the process from photo to seek-and-find poster and prices for custom cartoons and posters.
About this supermarket cartoon
This is a fictional, satirical drawing and personal work by Hans Esser, made in 2026. It was not commissioned by or made with Albert Heijn or Hoogvliet. The hamsters and mice are invented; the cartoon says nothing about the hygiene, stock or customers of real shops. Brand names belong to their owners.
Like this poster? Have one made of your own shop
A seek-and-find poster works for any shop, office or club. See the satirical seek-and-find cartoons by De Cartoonist for more of this kind of work, or request a cartoon poster for your company.
Frequently asked questions
What is the De Cartoonist supermarket cartoon?
A satirical seek-and-find poster by Hans Esser with two supermarkets stacked on top of each other: hamsters hoarding in an Albert Heijn and mice eating cheese in a Hoogvliet. Each half hides an animal face in the floor.
Why hamsters at the AH and mice at the Hoogvliet?
Hamsters fit the Dutch word hamsteren, which means hoarding, and mice fit the classic joke about mice and cheese. Placing them in two recognisable Dutch shops, in their own house colours, creates one image with two jokes that reinforce each other.
How many animals are on the poster?
There are dozens of hamsters and mice, spread across shelves, trolleys and the floor. Counting them is a fun challenge: some sit in places you only notice the second or third time you look.
Where can I see the two halves larger?
Each half has its own page: hoarding hamsters at Albert Heijn with the hamsters and mice in the Hoogvliet supermarket in Soest with the mice. There the image is larger and you can read more about the details.
Can I order this supermarket cartoon as a poster?
Ask about the options and size via WhatsApp or info@decartoonist.com. The image is protected by copyright; use in print or on a website is always agreed with Hans Esser first.
Can De Cartoonist make a seek-and-find picture of my company?
Yes. Send photos of your shop, office or clubhouse and tell him the story or joke you want. You hear the price in advance, see a proof first and get one revision round. A cartoon costs from €150; a busy poster with many figures costs more.
Was this cartoon commissioned by Albert Heijn or Hoogvliet?
No. It is personal work by Hans Esser, without a commission from or collaboration with either shop. The brand names only provide the recognition the joke needs.
May I share the supermarket cartoon?
Sharing with a link to this page is fine, preferably with the name De Cartoonist. For advertising, newsletters or products, ask for permission first via info@decartoonist.com.
Ready to see yourself as a cartoon?
Send one clear photo, tell us the style you like, and the cartoonist gets to work. You see a proof before anything is final.