Nostalgia Davao: Davao A & M

Davao A&M: Closed down for years, but not forgotten.

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Way back in the late 80’s and early 90’s, Davao City had no major malls to speak off. There were still no SMs, no GMalls, no Victoria Plazas. And one of the few major shopping centers back then that could be considered Mall-like was closed down temporarily (JS Gaisano Illustre).

Because of the absence of malls and a limited number of major shopping centers available (NCCC, Gaisano Center, Mantex, Park N Shop and Datu Complex), Davao buyers resorted to alternative shops. It was during this era when small shops selling RTW, toys and other stuff thrived.

Davao A&M was one of these small shops. It was situated right along Bolton Street.

One of the icons in Davao before the advent of the mall-era (along with the old movie houses, Annie’s Restaurant, Peter Pan Pastry, Burger Dennis, to name a few), Davao A&M offered an array of RTW’s for all ages, kiddie stuff like toys, school supplies and many more. Some of the old stuff for sale there weren’t available in other shops, such as NCCC and Gaisano Center. I remember one time way back in ‘91 when I was able to find this very old G.I Joe Action Figure (circa early 80’s) for sale at A&M. That particular item was already out of circulation many years before.

Davao A&M was one of the many casualties of the so-called “Davao mall boom”, and was forced to close shop in the late 90’s or early 2000’s. Its empty building still stands today however, and serves as a reminder of what it was like during Davao’s pre-mall years.