Petronella’s Bookstore opened in 2018. Since then, it has grown from strength to strength winning the 2022 South Canterbury Business Excellence Award for small businesses and winning the 2024 Nielsen BookData NZ Bookshop of the Year award.

The bookstore was founded by Wilma (Wilhelmina Petronella Maria) van den Bosch but in September 2024 it has changed hands to local woman Sharron Binns. The two women have a love of books and retail and long-time affinity with the community which makes for a thriving shop in the heart of town. 

Sharron's dream is to create a retail environment that is warm and inviting and makes visitors want to spend time trawling through the shelves of specially curated books, games, puzzles and toys. She always wants to expand the gallery side with beautiful local art and art prints.  Add to the mix, an infusion of homeware and gifts and Petronella's is a haven for everyone.