There was a touch of sentiment in the air with the relaunch of one of Bloemfontein’s oldest supermarkets Saturday.

Now customers will see there is more to discover under one roof at Pick n Pay Hypermarket in Fichardtpark following a major revamp.

From an expanded fresh food and grocery offering to new dining experiences and a significantly bigger general merchandise offering – including an expanded range for indoor, outdoor and DIY needs – the refreshed store brings more choice and convenience to the local community.

The revamp includes the Hypermarket’s first seated TiMe coffee area and Pick n Pay’s very first seated sushi area, called Sue She Sushi, extending the popular sushi bar offering found in selected supermarket stores. Customers can also look forward to a greater fresh produce selection, including an extended cheese range, gourmet butchery and delectable delights from the bakery.

The relaunch forms part of Pick n Pay’s ongoing investment in renewing its store network, as the business continues to evolve its stores and formats in line with changing customer needs and how they shop today. The Bloemfontein Hypermarket, which originally opened in 1977, is the fourth Hypermarket to be revamped, following three revamps towards the end of 2025 and the opening of a new Hypermarket in Pietermaritzburg.

The Hypermarket format has been part of Pick n Pay’s history for over 50 years, since the first store opened in Boksburg in 1975. The Hypermarket format continues to play an important role for customers looking for range, value and convenience in one place, offering the opportunity to shop across a wide range of categories, all under one roof – from fresh food and groceries to bulk buys, clothing, appliances, DIY and outdoor products.

“The idea was to bring together the things customers already come to a Hypermarket for, but make the experience feel easier with a new layout and give them more to explore in one destination, while also strengthening areas we know they love, such as our fresh food and meal solutions,” says Jarett Van Vuuren, Pick n Pay Head of Retail Hypermarkets.

“Whether customers are picking up fresh ingredients for dinner, stocking up the household, buying an appliance, looking for something for the garden or shopping for the family, our new generation Hypermarket format caters to different shopping trips under one roof,” says Van Vuuren.

Other upgrades to the Bloemfontein hypermarket include an enhanced fresh food offering, including a new produce area with more fresh offerings, an upgraded deli and convenient grab-and-go meal options. The grocery range has also been expanded, with additions including bulk cleaning products, pet care, sweets and catering supplies, giving shoppers more options for both everyday and larger household shops.

The general merchandise area has been significantly expanded, bringing together categories including multimedia and tech, appliances, DIY and tools, outdoor and garden essentials, toys, clothing and other home and lifestyle products.

The reopening was marked by a day of entertainment and activities for the local community on Saturday, including a performance by South African singer Kurt Darren, who also hosted meet-and-greets with customers during the celebrations.

The Cheetahs cheerleaders and mascot also performed, along with drum majorettes, and a display of vintage cars added to the festivities as customers explored the revamped store. Customers could also take advantage of opening specials and supplier activations in-store throughout the day.

“The relaunch was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate with the Bloemfontein community and showcase the new store and all it has to offer. We’re excited to welcome customers back to experience the refreshed Hypermarket, with its expanded range, new offerings and spaces designed to make every visit more enjoyable and convenient,” says Van Vuuren.