DISCLAIMER
This production is the property of Bloemfontein Courant and published to announce the results of the Best of Bloemfontein Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.

The category winners announced here have been chosen by online reader votes in the annual Best of Bloemfontein campaign. The voting results as depicted herein were verified by independent auditors and are final.

Best Automotive Parts Centre: Goldwagen

Goldwagen’s no-compromise approach towards quality parts, customer service, and vehicle expertise, beyond traditional industry standards, has allowed the brand to establish itself as Southern Africa’s most trusted automotive parts distributor. The group is uniquely positioned to supply automotive parts that are reliable, safe, and cost-effective to its customer base and their communities.

Best Book Shop: CUM Books

For more than 80 years, the purpose of CUM Books has been to put Christian content and Bibles into the hands of the people of Africa. As a publisher and retailer, the hope of the gospel remains CUM’s driving passion. Christelike Uitgewersmaatskappy (CUM) was established in 1939, on the eve of the Second World War, when founders Freddie and Ria Crous answered a call from God to spread the gospel through the printed word.

Best Car Dealership in Bloem: Human Auto Ford

Human Auto Ford offers an exceptional selection of vehicles, stocking the full range of Ford models alongside a wide variety of quality used cars. Their services go beyond sales, with dedicated parts, expert servicing, and more to meet your motoring needs. With three dealerships conveniently located in Bloemfontein, Welkom, and Kimberley, there’s no doubt that one of them has exactly what you’re looking for.

Best Catering Equipment: Crown Catering Warehouse

Crown Catering Warehouse, located at the corner of Hill and Cricket Street, was established in 1988. The company specialises in buying and selling both new and second-hand catering equipment, and offers cutlery, crockery, linen, as well as tables and chairs for hire at functions. With years of experience, they provide expert advice to support the setup and launch of successful catering ventures.

Best Cleaning and Chemical Product Supplier: Chemkor Chemical Supplies

Chemkor is your go-to source for essential cleaning supplies, serving both home and office settings. Their extensive product selection accommodates diverse cleaning requirements, ensuring a clean and hygienic environment for all your needs, whether at home or in the workplace.

Best Computer/Electronics Store: Wonder Computers

Wonder Computers offers services such as repairing laptops and computers, selling laptops, computers, graphics cards and other accessories.

Best Convenience Store: Engen Northridge

Engen Northridge is a convenience centre where you can fill up, buy food and do your grocery shopping. Situated at Northridge Mall, this is the best place to stop to refuel, not just your car but your body too.

Best Florist: Waldorf

Waldorf Flowers was established in 1993 and situated in Bloemfontein in the beautiful Free State. This family-owned business specializes in the trading of flowers to retailers and wholesalers. Their passion, dedication and attention to detail reflects through everything that they do. At the end, everyone leaves with a smile! 

Best Garden Centre: Greenside Nursery

Greenside offers a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, garden tools, soils, and décor, along with herbicides, insecticides, and plant feeds. Families can enjoy a kids’ play area, dog-friendly spaces, and The Hummingbird Tea Garden restaurant, creating a relaxing, family-friendly destination surrounded by nature.

Best Hardware Store, Best Kitchen & Bathroom Outfitters: D.I.Y. Superstore

D.I.Y. Superstore is a one-stop destination for all do-it-yourself products, tools, and service solutions. As the largest privately owned store of its kind in South Africa, it offers a wide range of consumer and wholesale products at affordable prices. Located in the heart of the Free State, the Bloemfontein store has become a trusted household name, with over 33 years of supplying quality products and hands-on service. Clients have come to rely on and endorse D.I.Y. Superstore for everything from home improvements to large-scale contract jobs and projects.

Best Home Appliance Store: Kloppers

Kloppers, established in 1967, offers a wide range of quality products at competitive prices, backed by expert and friendly service. Headquartered in Bloemfontein, this trusted department store is committed to providing customers with access to top brands and one of the widest product selections in South Africa – always at unbeatable value.

Best Furniture Store, Best Home Décor: House of Interiors

House of Interiors is driven by a passion for design, proportion, and style. They specialise in the design and manufacture of both classic and contemporary furniture and curtaining. Their service offering has evolved into a comprehensive solution, underpinned by the principles of effective project management – ensuring that each client’s vision is fully realised.

Best Jewellery Store: HDL Jewellers

HDL Jewellers is renowned for timeless craftsmanship, exceptional quality, and personal service. From dazzling diamond rings to elegant gold and silver pieces, HDL offers jewellery that celebrates life’s special moments. With expert design and trusted workmanship, every creation reflects beauty, value, and lasting memories for generations to cherish.

Best Outdoor/Camping Store: Checkers Outdoor

Checkers Outdoor is a standalone retail concept launched by South Africa’s Shoprite Holdings, specialising in camping, braai, and general outdoor gear. Since opening its first stores in 2022, it has offered a wide range of products – from tents and camping chairs to grills and coolers – sourced from both premium and affordable brands. Designed as a one-stop shop for outdoor enthusiasts, Checkers Outdoor caters to every adventure, big or small.

Best Supermarket for All Your Essentials: Checkers

Checkers, supported by Africa’s largest food retail group, believes in helping you live the lifestyle you deserve – and works hard to make it possible. With consistent savings on essential grocery items, Checkers ensures value without compromise. Beyond everyday essentials, the store offers a curated selection of speciality products, including extra-matured Steakhouse Classic steaks, free-range certified Natural Lamb, award-winning cheeses, and wines from over 80 of South Africa’s leading estates.

Best Packaging/Storing Supplies: Bloem Green Pack

At Bloem Green Pack, they supply a wide range of food packaging products — including all types of polystyrene containers, foil, sauces, spices, and cleaning products.

Best Pet Shop: Jungle to Jungle

The owners, Frans and Minet, believe that the core of their success lies in excellent customer service and a commitment to continuous growth. They strive to serve every client with respect and warmth, and to continually expand their products and services to meet evolving needs. This award is, for them, a confirmation that their passion and dedication truly add value. They would like to thank every client who has supported them on this journey.

Best Animal Food: Crazy Pets

Crazy Pets delivers more than products, it offers an award-winning shopping experience with expert advice, friendly service, and unbeatable prices. Catering to both seasoned owners and new pet parents, it provides everything pets need under one roof, ensuring health, happiness, and quality care remain the top priority.

Best Shopping Centre/Lifestyle Centre: Preller Square

Preller Square Shopping Centre offers a Mediterranean-style, open-air shopping experience with diverse food, drink, and retail options. Families can relax in the piazza, enjoy the water fountain and playground, or share coffee in the courtyard.

Best Shopping Mall: Northridge Mall

Northridge Mall offers a convenient and enjoyable shopping experience in the north of Bloemfontein, with all your favourite stores under one roof. Strategically located along the R700/Kenneth Kaunda Road – linking the northern suburbs and city centre to the N1 freeway – the mall is easily accessible and provides over 1,200 free parking bays for added convenience.

Best Sports Goods Store: Sportsmans Warehouse

Sportsmans Warehouse, South Africa’s largest sports, fitness, and outdoor goods retailer, was established in 1986 as the first superstore for sporting enthusiasts. It offers quality branded merchandise nationwide, catering to all skill levels, from beginners to professional athletes, making it a leading specialist in sports and leisure retail.

Best Stationery Supplier: Bloempapier

Bloempapier has an excellent selection of stationery and office supplies. Over many years, the company has built strong relationships with the best suppliers in the industry. Being level 2 BEE compliant, it supplies a large number of schools, tertiary institutions, as well as government departments and businesses in Bloemfontein and beyond.

Best Tyre Fitment Centre: Tiger Wheel & Tyre

Tiger Wheel & Tyre is a leading tyre fitment centre specialising in premium brand tyres, wheels, and automotive batteries. Known for expert service and quality products, they offer trusted solutions to keep vehicles safe, stylish, and road-ready.