Gombe State, the Jewel in the Savannah, is one of Nigeria’s rapidly urbanizing regions. Located in the northeastern part of the country, Gombe has seen significant development over the years, with improvements in infrastructure, education, commerce, and retail. The presence of supermarkets and shopping malls reflects this transformation as consumer demand grows for more organized and accessible retail spaces.
While traditional markets like Pantami Market remain prominent for fresh produce and local goods, modern supermarkets and malls are becoming more popular—especially among urban dwellers looking for quality, convenience, and variety.
In this blog post, we explore some of the most popular supermarkets and shopping malls in Gombe State. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, this guide will help you find where to shop for groceries, household goods, fashion, electronics, and more.
Top Supermarkets in Gombe State
Supermarkets play a vital role in the everyday lives of Gombe residents. These stores offer everything from food items to electronics in a clean, organized setting. Below are some of the notable supermarkets across the state:
1. Makay Supermarket Ltd
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Location: Sabo Line, near NNPC Mega Filling Station, Biu Road, Gombe.
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Overview: Makay Supermarket is one of the most recognized retail names in Gombe. With its origins in Kaduna, the brand has expanded into Gombe to meet the demand for quality retail service. The supermarket offers groceries, cosmetics, snacks, beverages, toiletries, and electronics. It also has a decent customer service reputation and neat aisles.
2. San Husain Supermarket
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Location: Jeka Da Fari Road, Gombe.
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Overview: San Husain is a popular option for shoppers seeking affordability. It’s known for its competitive prices on foodstuffs, detergents, drinks, canned goods, and other daily necessities. It is especially busy during weekends, thanks to its proximity to residential neighborhoods.
3. Dange Supermarket
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Location: Resort Street, Tunfure, Gombe.
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Overview: Dange Supermarket serves as a convenient stop for residents of Tunfure and its surrounding areas. It stocks a wide range of household goods and groceries. Known for fast service and availability of fresh items, Dange has built a loyal customer base.
4. Ibrahimawa Supermarket
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Location: Gona Main Street, near Access Bank, Dukku, Gombe.
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Overview: This is one of the few large-format supermarkets in Dukku. It features fresh produce, meat, dairy, and household goods. Its location makes it a favorite for both residents and traders looking to shop in bulk.
5. U S A Provision & Store
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Location: Mai Palace, Billiri Local Government Area.
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Overview: Though smaller in size compared to others on this list, U S A Provision is a gem in Billiri. It sells provisions like tea, milk, beverages, noodles, cosmetics, and household items. It's popular among students and young families.
🏬 Leading Shopping Malls in Gombe State
Shopping malls in Gombe are gradually redefining the retail experience by combining convenience with variety. Though not as large as those found in Lagos or Abuja, these malls offer multiple stores, eateries, and entertainment options under one roof.
1. Duwa Plaza
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Location: Biu Road, adjacent to Bauchi Motor Park, Gombe.
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Overview: One of Gombe’s busiest plazas, Duwa Plaza boasts a mix of retail shops, eateries, salons, and electronic outlets. It’s a popular destination for both shopping and socializing. Due to its central location, it sees a large daily footfall.
2. Maman Chijioke Shopping Mall
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Location: Costain Market, beside Aroma Restaurant, Workers’ Village, Funakaye LGA.
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Overview: This shopping center houses multiple stalls and shops. It offers a one-stop solution for groceries, beauty products, school supplies, and fashion accessories. Though smaller than a traditional mall, it provides a wide array of retail choices.
3. Gombe State Investment Shopping Complex
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Location: Buhari Estate, Tula Road, Gombe.
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Overview: This state-backed investment project is an organized shopping complex where you can find multiple shops under one roof. From boutiques and bookshops to electronics and appliances, the complex is slowly becoming a commercial center.
4. Kids Street Enterprises
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Location: Tula Road, GRA, Gombe.
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Overview: Specializing in children's items, Kids Street Enterprises offers toys, children's clothes, school supplies, and accessories. The mall-style format makes it one of the most child-friendly shopping environments in Gombe.
📊 Summary Table of Supermarkets and Shopping Malls in Gombe State
Name | Location | Type | Specialties |
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Makay Supermarket Ltd | Biu Road, Gombe | Supermarket | Household items, groceries, electronics |
San Husain Supermarket | Jeka da Fari Road, Gombe | Supermarket | Affordable groceries, drinks, toiletries |
Dange Supermarket | Resort Street, Tunfure, Gombe | Supermarket | Groceries, fresh produce, fast service |
Ibrahimawa Supermarket | Gona Main Street, Dukku, Gombe | Supermarket | Meat, dairy, fresh produce, home essentials |
U S A Provision & Store | Billiri LGA, Gombe | Supermarket | Provisions, cosmetics, beverages |
Duwa Plaza | Biu Road, Gombe | Shopping Mall | Electronics, eateries, salons, general retail |
Maman Chijioke Shopping Mall | Funakaye, Gombe | Shopping Mall | Groceries, fashion, school items |
Gombe State Investment Complex | Tula Road, Gombe | Shopping Complex | Electronics, books, home appliances |
Kids Street Enterprises | Tula Road, GRA, Gombe | Shopping Mall | Children’s toys, fashion, school supplies |
🧾 What Makes Shopping in Gombe State Unique?
1. Hybrid Retail Experience
Gombe offers a unique combination of traditional market culture and modern retail formats. While local markets like Pantami, Tudun Wada, and Gombe Urban Market still dominate, supermarkets and shopping malls are increasingly complementing them, especially among younger consumers and professionals.
2. Affordable Goods
Prices in Gombe supermarkets are generally more affordable compared to major cities like Lagos or Abuja. Many items are locally sourced, which cuts down on logistics costs and benefits the end consumer.
3. Cash and Cashless Options
Most supermarkets and malls now accept both cash and cashless payments like POS, transfers, and even QR payments in some places. This enhances convenience and aligns with Nigeria’s cashless economy goals.
🎯 Tips for Shoppers in Gombe State
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Visit during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially in places like Makay Supermarket and Duwa Plaza.
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Check expiry dates on food products, particularly in small provision stores.
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Use loyalty cards if available—some stores offer reward points and discounts to regular customers.
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Stay alert during promotions as supermarkets often run flash sales during festive periods and month-end.
🌍 The Future of Retail in Gombe State
With increased investment in infrastructure and a growing urban population, Gombe’s retail sector is poised for expansion. More investors are showing interest in building modern retail centers, and international brands are expected to penetrate the state market in the coming years. The arrival of full-scale malls similar to Jabi Lake Mall in Abuja may still be years away, but the foundation is already being laid.
Conclusion
Gombe State may not yet have the sprawling malls of larger Nigerian cities, but it boasts a growing and impressive list of supermarkets and shopping centers that meet the daily needs of its residents. From well-stocked grocery stores to budding retail plazas, the state is steadily catching up with modern retail trends.
Whether you’re shopping for food, fashion, electronics, or children's supplies, the options are becoming more diverse and consumer-friendly. As the retail space evolves, both locals and visitors can expect even better shopping experiences in Gombe.