Calgary Readers’ Choice Awards 2025/26: Top Shopping Winners Revealed!

UPDATE: The results of the 2025/26 Calgary Readers’ Choice Awards have just been announced, revealing the top shopping winners that Calgarians love! This year’s awards, organized by the Calgary Herald and Calgary Sun, spotlight local favorites in various categories, celebrating the vibrant shopping scene in Calgary.

In the Favourite Art Supply Store category, Kensington Art Supply took home the gold, with Sunnyside Art Supplies and Swinton’s Art Supplies following closely behind. This recognition highlights the community’s appreciation for supporting local artists and creatives.

Shoppers looking for the best auction experience turned to Regal Auctions, securing the gold in the Favourite Auction House category. Graham Auctions and Hall’s Auction Services earned silver and bronze, respectively, showcasing Calgary’s competitive auction market.

For grooming needs, Tommy Gun’s Original Barbershop emerged as the top choice for men’s haircuts, while Marda Loop Barbershop and Great Clips followed in silver and bronze. This reflects the city’s trend towards stylish and personalized grooming experiences.

Cyclists were not left behind; Bow Cycle & Sports clinched the gold in the Favourite Bike Shop category. The silver went to The Bike Shop, with Calgary Cycle taking bronze, reinforcing Calgary’s love for outdoor activities and cycling.

Book lovers celebrated Fair’s Fair Books as their favorite bookstore, while Owl’s Nest Books and Pages on Kensington secured the silver and bronze positions. This highlights the city’s vibrant literary community and the importance of independent bookstores.

Bridal couples flocked to Ethos Bridal Boutique, which was named the top bridal salon, followed by Durand Bridal and a tie between Pearl + Dot and Cameo & Cufflinks, illustrating the growing demand for unique wedding attire options.

The local food scene shone brightly as well. In the Favourite Butcher Shop/Deli category, Lina’s Italian Market took the gold, with Italian Centre Shop and Bon Ton Meat Market earning silver and bronze. This showcases Calgary’s commitment to quality local produce and meats.

Cheese lovers celebrated Springbank Cheese Company as the top choice in the Favourite Cheese Shop category, while a tie between the Italian Centre Shop and Lina’s Italian Market for silver and Peasant Cheese for bronze reflects the vibrant culinary landscape.

For comic enthusiasts, Phoenix Comics emerged victorious as the favourite comic book store, with Comic-Kazi and The Sentry Box following. This win emphasizes the importance of comic culture in Calgary.

The results also recognized Calgary’s commitment to sustainability with Calgary Farmers’ Market South winning gold for Favourite Farmers’ Market. Crossroads Farmers’ Market and Calgary Farmers’ Market West rounded out the top three, demonstrating the community’s support for local agriculture.

In the fitness arena, SportChek was the top pick for fitness enthusiasts, while MEC and Fitness Depot secured silver and bronze, emphasizing the city’s focus on health and wellness.

As for essential services, Equation Staffing Solutions was awarded gold in the Favourite Employment Services category. Randstad took silver, with Bowen Group and Prospect tying for bronze, highlighting the importance of job placement services in Calgary’s economy.

Florists also received recognition, with Red Rose Florist winning gold, while Amborella Floral and Flowers at the Market tied for silver, showcasing Calgary’s vibrant floral industry.

Lastly, in the furniture sector, La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings and Decor was awarded gold, with Bondars and Cricklewood Interiors following. This reflects the city’s emphasis on home comfort and style.

As the Calgary shopping community continues to thrive, these awards not only celebrate local businesses but also encourage residents to support their favorite shops. Stay tuned for more updates on local trends and community highlights as they develop!