Cross River State, located in the South-South region of Nigeria, is widely known for its beautiful landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and tourism attractions like Obudu Mountain Resort and the famous Calabar Carnival. But beyond tourism, Cross River has a thriving retail scene. The state capital, Calabar, alongside towns like Ikom and Ogoja, hosts a variety of supermarkets and shopping malls that meet the daily and luxury shopping needs of residents and visitors alike.
This post presents a detailed list of the most prominent supermarkets and shopping malls across Cross River State, showing you exactly where to go whether you want to stock up on groceries, shop for clothes, grab electronics, or just hang out.
🏬 Detailed Overview of Supermarkets in Cross River State
1. Spar Nigeria, Calabar
Located within the popular Calabar Mall, Spar is one of the biggest supermarket chains in Nigeria. This store offers everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to home cleaning items, canned food, wines, electronics, and even bakery products. The shopping environment is clean, organized, and well air-conditioned, giving shoppers a pleasurable experience.
2. B-System Supermarket & Restaurant
This is a multi-purpose shopping destination located around Diamond Hill. B-System offers cosmetics, electronics, books, food items, and more. After shopping, customers can relax and eat in the attached restaurant. It’s perfect for families and workers on the go.
3. BB'S Supermarkets
BB'S Supermarkets at Convent Village is known for selling a bit of everything – from clothing and kitchen utensils to electronics and toiletries. It’s a favorite spot for residents looking for a quick, all-inclusive shopping run.
4. CannonBall Supermarket
Strategically located along the Murtala Mohammed Highway, this supermarket is ideal for those living along major roads. It stocks provisions, toiletries, household essentials, snacks, and more. Prices are generally fair and the store is neat and orderly.
5. Divine Favour Supermarket
Once known as Daily Supermarket, this store is situated opposite Essien Town Junction. They offer a broad selection of groceries, kitchen items, drinks, and wines. The store's relocation has made it more accessible and visible to residents of the area.
6. Divine Love Daily Needs
Positioned in Ikot Ekan Edem, this store meets the daily needs of locals. From beverages and detergents to rice and condiments, Divine Love is ideal for bulk buying and wholesaling.
7. Foodstuff Plus
As the name suggests, this superstore specializes in essential foodstuffs. Located in Ikot Eyo, Calabar, it is perfect for those looking to stock up their kitchen affordably.
8. Harmony Shops
This store near the Eastern Naval Command Headquarters in Essien Town stocks food products, toiletries, beverages, and home-use items. It is a reliable store for military personnel and residents alike.
9. Raclem Ventures
Raclem is your plug for wines, kitchen utensils, and household goods. Located along the road that leads to Margaret Ekpo International Airport, it’s a strategic spot for last-minute airport shoppers.
10. Samfloxy Supermarket
Located on Ekorinim Road, this is a cozy mini supermarket where you’ll find drinks, confectioneries, cosmetics, and personal care items. It serves a residential area and is known for being friendly to customers.
11. Spark Shopz
Spark Shopz is a small but well-stocked supermarket on Mbukpa Street. They sell everything from toilet rolls to spaghetti, wines, soaps, and toothpaste.
12. Success Supermarket
Found on Atekong Drive, Success Supermarket is known for its assortment of snacks, drinks, and wines. It’s a convenient stop for a quick shop, especially if you're preparing for a home party.
13. Valuemart Discount City
Located in State Housing Estate, Valuemart offers a wide range of products including groceries, baby items, gift items, toiletries, and beverages. Their prices are often discounted, which attracts a loyal customer base.
14. Watt Supermarket
More of a party shop than a traditional supermarket, Watt Supermarket is your go-to place for birthday party packs and small souvenirs, especially for kids’ events.
🏢 Overview of Shopping Malls in Cross River State
1. Tinapa Shopping Centre
Tinapa is not just a shopping mall; it’s an entire business and leisure resort. Located in Adiabo, this free trade zone houses emporiums, retail stores, warehouses, and entertainment facilities like cinemas, casinos, arcades, and more. It’s a must-visit place when in Calabar.
2. Calabar Mall
Located in the heart of Calabar, beside the Cultural Centre, Calabar Mall is home to multiple retail outlets including fashion boutiques, mobile phone stores, electronics outlets, and restaurants. It's also where Spar supermarket is based.
3. Shoprite Calabar
One of the biggest names in African retail, Shoprite in Calabar is a favorite among families and tourists. You can buy anything from groceries and electronics to fashion items and household appliances.
4. Onyx Plaza
Located along Ediba Road, Onyx Plaza is a mixed-use facility that includes boutiques, retail stores, and business offices. It's commonly visited for both shopping and administrative tasks.
5. Big Qua Shopping Complex
Situated around MCC Road, this shopping complex features different retail outlets, service shops, and fashion stores. It's a known landmark in Calabar South.
6. NYOVAT Shopping Mall, Ikom
Moving out of Calabar to Ikom, NYOVAT Shopping Mall offers affordable household items and groceries to residents of Central Cross River. It stands out as the major shopping destination in Ikom town.
7. Livingston Shopping Complex
This complex, located on Ndidem Usang Iso Road, hosts various small-scale businesses and retail stores selling clothing, shoes, electronics, and more.
8. LuGold Integrated Concept
Specializing in electronics and appliances, LuGold is your plug for gadgets, TVs, washing machines, and air conditioners. The store is situated along Mary Slessor Avenue in Calabar.
9. House of Queen
This is a department store-style shopping mall located on State Avenue in Calabar. It stocks a blend of fashion, household items, and beauty products.
10. Xyneex Technologies Mall
Although largely an electronics store, Xyneex Technologies operates like a mini-mall, offering digital gadgets and tech accessories. It serves as a niche retail point in Calabar’s tech ecosystem.
🛒 Summary Table: Top Supermarkets & Shopping Malls in Cross River State
| Name | Type | Location | Major Offerings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spar Calabar | Supermarket | Calabar Mall, Mary Slessor Ave | Groceries, fruits, household goods |
| Shoprite Calabar | Mall | MCC Road, Calabar | Groceries, electronics, fashion |
| Tinapa Shopping Centre | Mall | Adiabo, Calabar | Shops, cinema, food court, casino |
| Calabar Mall | Mall | Cultural Centre, Calabar | Retail stores, restaurants, fashion |
| B-System Supermarket | Supermarket | Diamond Hill, Calabar | Cosmetics, books, electronics |
| BB'S Supermarkets | Supermarket | Convent Village, Calabar | Clothes, electronics, kitchenware |
| Divine Favour Supermarket | Supermarket | Essien Town, Calabar | Groceries, utensils, drinks |
| CannonBall Supermarket | Supermarket | Murtala Mohammed Highway, Calabar | Provisions, toiletries, daily essentials |
| Harmony Shops | Supermarket | Essien Town, Calabar | Food, groceries, household needs |
| Valuemart Discount City | Supermarket | State Housing Estate, Calabar | Baby items, beverages, household items |
| Foodstuff Plus | Supermarket | Ikot Eyo, Calabar | Provisions, foodstuff, cooking oil |
| Spark Shopz | Supermarket | Mbukpa Street, Calabar | Wines, groceries, personal care products |
| Success Supermarket | Supermarket | Atekong Drive, Calabar | Snacks, wines, beverages |
| Samfloxy Supermarket | Supermarket | Ekorinim Road, Calabar | Confectioneries, cosmetics, drinks |
| Raclem Ventures | Supermarket | New Airport Road, Calabar | Wines, groceries, kitchenware |
| Exceeding Grace Electronics | Electronics Store | Army Junction, Calabar | TVs, fridges, air conditioners |
| LuGold Integrated Concept | Electronics Store | Mary Slessor Avenue, Calabar | Home appliances, electronics |
| Onyx Plaza | Shopping Plaza | Ediba Road, Calabar | Shops, boutiques, offices |
| Big Qua Shopping Complex | Shopping Complex | MCC Road, Calabar | Retail outlets, variety goods |
| NYOVAT Shopping Mall | Mall | Oche-rore Street, Ikom | Groceries, home items |
| Livingston Shopping Complex | Shopping Complex | Ndidem Usang Iso Road, Calabar | Variety of retail stores |
| Watt Supermarket | Gift Shop | Watt Market Area, Calabar | Party items, children gift packs |
| House of Queen | Shopping Mall | State Avenue, Calabar | Department store items, fashion |
| Divine Love Daily Needs | Supermarket | Ikot Ekan Edem Road, Calabar | Provisions, toiletries |
| Xyneex Technologies Mall | Electronics/Mall | Calabar | Electronics, gadgets |
Final Thoughts
Cross River State, especially Calabar, has grown to become a hub for modern retail. With international brands like Spar and Shoprite and local players like B-System, BB’s, and Harmony Shops, shoppers have a variety of options when it comes to convenience, affordability, and quality.
Whether you're a resident, a visitor, or a business traveler, these supermarkets and malls will help you find what you need, from food to fashion, tech to toys. So, next time you’re in Cross River, be sure to check out some of these top retail spots.
