Douala: Retail Chains Spread Beyond City Centre

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Douala: Retail Chains Spread Beyond City Centre

There are about 125 supermarkets in Douala as of June 2026, and the city’s retail landscape has seen a steady growth of 6.72% over the last few years.

28 Oct 2026 13:50

D ouala’s retail landscape is undergoing a gra dual transformation as local and foreign supermarket chains expand beyond traditional commer cial areas into residential neighbourhoods, bringing a wider range of products closer to consumers. From Akwa and Bonanjo to Bona moussadi, Logpom, Ndokoti, and Bonaberi, modern retail outlets are changing how city dwellers shop. The expansion reflects growing urban demand, competition among retailers, and the search for convenience. Operators are increasingly es tablishing outlets in densely populated neighbourhoods, allowing residents to purchase everyday necessities without travelling long distances. A notable example is Carrefour, operated in Cameroon by CFAO Consumer. On November 10, 2023, the company inaugurated its seventh Carrefour-branded store in Bonaberi, allegedly stocking approximately 3,000 locally manufactured products. The 1,500-square-metre super market illustrates the chain’s strategy of bringing modern retail closer to consumers. Lo cal operators, including Santa Lucia, Mahima, and BAO, also compete alongside foreign-linked brands such as Carrefour and SPAR. China Mall has added another dimension to the re tail boom, attracting shoppers seeking a broad assortment of household goods and other merchandise under one roof. The product range is also broadening as shelves combine locally manufactured goods, including packaged foods, beverages, cooking oil, toi letries, and other household essentials, with imported elec tronics, clothing, cosmetics, kitchenware, and cleaning products. Fresh produce, meat, fish, vegetables, and other foodstuffs are increa singly available in modern su perm...