A Village Hub by Locals, for Locals
When you’ve got a to-do list as long as Main Road and need a one-stop solution, there’s one place locals in the know keep coming back to: The Trading Post. If you’ve lived in Somerset West for a while, chances are you’ve popped in for a quick coffee, to pick up a few pantry essentials, or to have something altered at the seamstress. Over the years, the centre has continued to evolve with the changing needs of the town. And behind this evolution is a familiar local nam
A Conversation with Marius Claassen
In 2020, local businessman Marius Claassen – best known for his leadership at the Rola Motors Group – took on the Trading Post as part of his broader investment in Somerset West’s CBD. While Marius is known for big-picture business thinking, his connection to the Helderberg is deeply personal.
“I grew up in Strand and have lived in the Helderberg all my life,” he says. “It’s changed a lot over the years, but it still has a really special community at its core.”
After joining the family business in the early '90s, Marius helped steer Rola into one of the region’s most trusted motor groups, now employing more than 700 people across the Western Cape. And while Rola Motor City on the outskirts of town may be their flagship site, his vision for the Trading Post is simpler: to create a useful, accessible centre that serves everyday needs right in the heart of town.
For Your Tastebuds
There’s something reassuring about knowing exactly where to go when you’re after a good bite to eat. The Trading Post offers a few favourites for when you’re in that frame of mind.
The Farmhouse Coffee Shop has been serving warm meals and friendly smiles since 2004. Nestled under the trees, it’s the kind of spot where you can pause for a moment and feel like time is moving just a little slower.
If you're after something with a little spice and sizzle, Chef Wu offers authentic Asian cuisine and sushi, prepared with care and full of flavour.
For the Home and Pantry
The Trading Post is also a handy stop for things to make your house a little more like home.
Somerset Blinds offers everything from shutters to awnings, helping locals kit out their homes with both style and practicality.
Next door, you’ll find Gram, a plastic-free grocer with a real sense of purpose. Whether you’re looking to cut down on packaging waste or just want to buy your oats, spices or treats in exactly the quantity you need, this is the place.
Then there’s The German Food Store, a quiet gem for imported goodies and nostalgic tastes of Germany. It’s one of those places you hear about through word-of-mouth, where someone tells you, “Oh, you have to try the Senfgurken!” And once you do, you’re hooked.
Need meat for the braai tonight or to stock up your deep freeze for a winter of lamb stews and curries? Douvoordag Slagtery is your next stop.
Laundry King is also right there – convenient for quick washes or dry cleaning, and always appreciated when it's been raining for days on end…
Just For You
Sometimes you’re just looking for a little pick-me-up. Whether that’s a fresh haircut, a pamper session, or some clothing mends to get your favourite jeans fitting ‘just right’ again, the Trading Post has a few businesses ready to step in.
Redlipstick Pamper Lounge is the kind of salon where you walk in feeling a little tired and walk out feeling like yourself again. Whether it’s a massage, a mani, or just a little me-time, their motto says it all: The best done best for YOU.
Right nearby, Bobby Pins Hair Studio and 4 Gents Barber Shop keep Somerset West ladies and gents looking sharp, serving up everything from kids’ cuts to classic barber trims.
And for those loose buttons or too-long hems, Stitched Up offers reliable alterations and seamstress services. Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the difference.
And that’s not even the tip of the iceberg! There are a total of 22 businesses operating in the centre. Be sure to pop in next time you’re passing through – you might be surprised by what you find…