Banana Island, nestled within the upscale neighborhood of Ikoyi in Lagos State, Nigeria, is one of the most exclusive and luxurious residential areas in the country. Known for its serene environment, modern infrastructure, high-end real estate, and affluent residents, Banana Island is home to some of Nigeria’s wealthiest individuals, celebrities, business moguls, and top executives.
Though it is primarily a residential estate, Banana Island offers its residents and visitors access to premium shopping experiences through its collection of high-quality supermarkets and shopping malls. While the commercial landscape is not as extensive as that of Victoria Island or Lekki, the businesses within and around Banana Island maintain high standards, ensuring residents do not have to travel far to enjoy quality retail services.
In this article, we provide a detailed list of supermarkets and shopping malls in and around Banana Island, Lagos. Each shopping destination is carefully curated based on accessibility, product variety, ambiance, and customer experience.
Supermarkets in Banana Island
1. Bydow Supermarket
Bydow Supermarket is one of the most reputable and accessible grocery stores serving the Banana Island community. Located along Onikoyi Road, which connects directly to the Banana Island entrance, Bydow offers a clean, organized, and well-stocked shopping environment. Its product range includes fresh fruits and vegetables, beverages, frozen foods, household supplies, toiletries, snacks, and a selection of imported goods.
Bydow’s commitment to maintaining international standards in customer service, inventory management, and product freshness makes it a top pick for residents. The supermarket also has a reputation for stocking hard-to-find gourmet items and international brands.
Key Offerings:
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Fresh produce and groceries
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Imported and luxury goods
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Household essentials
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Excellent customer service
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Moderate to premium pricing
2. Hartleys Supermarket
Hartleys Supermarket is located slightly outside Banana Island but remains a top choice for its residents due to its proximity and wide product selection. Situated at Alfred Rewane Road in Ikoyi, Hartleys offers a premium shopping experience tailored to high-income customers.
The supermarket stocks everyday grocery items, fresh bakery products, beverages, dairy, personal care products, wines and spirits, and imported specialty products. The ambiance is upscale, and its cleanliness and organization contribute to an enjoyable shopping experience.
Key Offerings:
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Premium grocery selection
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Wine cellar and gourmet items
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Fresh bread and pastries
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Household goods and electronics
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Excellent packaging and hygiene
3. Oladimeji Shonubi Supermarket
This is a lesser-known but growing supermarket brand in Banana Island that focuses on quality over quantity. It’s often frequented by residents who prefer a quieter shopping environment without the crowds associated with larger chain stores. The store offers basic groceries, snacks, canned goods, beverages, and select household items.
It may not be as expansive as Bydow or Hartleys, but it is valued for its customer-first approach and quiet charm.
Key Offerings:
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Basic groceries and snacks
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Personalized service
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Quiet and peaceful ambiance
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Convenient for quick shopping trips
🏬 Shopping Malls in and Around Banana Island
1. Banana Island Shopping Complex
Located within the estate itself, the Banana Island Shopping Complex is a purpose-built commercial hub that includes a variety of retail outlets, office spaces, restaurants, and lifestyle service providers. Although not a traditional “mall” in the sense of large-scale commercial complexes, it serves the island's residents by offering a local destination for shopping, dining, and professional services.
You can find fashion boutiques, interior décor shops, mobile and electronics stores, cafés, and beauty salons. It is designed to cater to the exclusive tastes of Banana Island's elite residents.
Key Offerings:
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Fashion and accessories
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Beauty salons and spas
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Cafés and eateries
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Offices and consultancy services
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Limited but quality-focused retail spaces
2. Ikoyi Shopping Complex
Located close to Banana Island, the Ikoyi Shopping Complex is a more traditional shopping center that combines both modern and local retail elements. It is popular for its wide variety of stores, including small boutiques, supermarkets, electronics shops, salons, tailoring services, and pharmacies.
Though not as glitzy as high-end malls in Victoria Island, it offers a broad selection of goods and services and serves as a go-to destination for Banana Island residents looking for convenience without compromising quality.
Key Offerings:
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Boutiques and electronics
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Medical and pharmaceutical shops
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Groceries and fresh food markets
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Tailors and repair shops
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Dry cleaning and laundromats
3. Spar Ikoyi
Part of the global Spar brand, Spar Ikoyi is situated on Awolowo Road and offers a one-stop shopping experience that combines affordability with quality. With a massive floor space and multiple departments, Spar caters to shoppers looking for variety in groceries, electronics, clothing, and household goods.
The supermarket is popular among Banana Island residents due to its comprehensive inventory, quality assurance, and frequent promotional deals. Spar’s location in Ikoyi makes it easily accessible to Banana Island through a short drive.
Key Offerings:
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Affordable pricing with quality standards
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Clothing, electronics, and groceries
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Bulk shopping options
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Regular discounts and loyalty programs
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Ample parking and security
📊 Summary Table
| Name | Type | Location | Key Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bydow Supermarket | Supermarket | Onikoyi Road, near Banana Island | Imported groceries, fresh produce, household items |
| Hartleys Supermarket | Supermarket | Alfred Rewane Road, Ikoyi | Gourmet foods, wines, bakery, hygiene products |
| Oladimeji Shonubi Supermarket | Supermarket | Within Banana Island | Basic groceries, quiet ambiance, quick-stop shopping |
| Banana Island Shopping Complex | Shopping Mall | 1st Avenue, Banana Island | Fashion, salons, restaurants, office spaces |
| Ikoyi Shopping Complex | Shopping Mall | Awolowo Road, Ikoyi | General merchandise, tailoring, groceries, pharmacies |
| Spar Nigeria, Ikoyi | Supermarket | Awolowo Road, Ikoyi | Wide variety of goods, clothing, home goods, affordable pricing |
💡 What Makes Shopping in Banana Island Unique?
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Exclusivity: The shopping experience in Banana Island is tailored to a clientele that values privacy, quality, and exclusivity. The shops and malls reflect this by focusing on premium goods and personalized service.
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Security: Being a gated community with tight security protocols, shoppers in Banana Island enjoy a level of safety that enhances the retail experience. Most shops within the estate benefit from 24/7 surveillance and controlled access.
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Quality over Quantity: Banana Island does not have a large number of shopping outlets, but those available are curated for quality and customer satisfaction. This ensures fewer crowds and a better experience overall.
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Proximity to Ikoyi and VI: Even when some items aren’t readily available within Banana Island, nearby Ikoyi and Victoria Island offer easy access to extended shopping options within 10–15 minutes' drive.
Final Thoughts
Banana Island may not boast the massive shopping malls or commercial buzz of other parts of Lagos, but its limited number of supermarkets and shopping malls are carefully selected and designed to offer the very best. Residents have access to clean, organized, and well-stocked outlets that maintain international standards in customer service and product quality.
From Bydow’s elegant grocery aisles to the cozy shopping complex within the estate and the wide-ranging offerings at Spar Ikoyi, residents of Banana Island enjoy a seamless, safe, and satisfying shopping lifestyle that matches the estate’s luxury reputation.
As the neighborhood continues to grow in prestige and population, we can expect even more retail and lifestyle businesses to emerge, further enriching the shopping experience in Banana Island.
