Today’s shopping trend has not succeeded in rendering the markets redundant as many Nigerians still prefer to buy from the open market, which some say offer lower prices; others say they are used to the conventional way of shopping and that open markets are more accommodating. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes.
WhAt some people shop with ease in malls, often shunning the open markets, doesn’t mean the conventional places for shopping are no longer relevant.
The number of people who patronise the open, traditional markets are more than those who go to the malls. Regardless of the fact that the ambience of the retail stores is inviting, which is one of the reasons some patronise them and why they have been given acceptance in this part of the world, open markets still hold sway.
Despite the increasing departmental stores across the country, as well as the new purchasing trend, a larger percentage of the population believes so much in the open traditional markets because of cheaper offerings, accommodating environment, no one is discriminated against and the fact that the conventional way of shopping remains a way of life for many.
Also, accessibility has boosted the fortunes of open makets as they can be found almost in every locality across the nation unlike the malls, which are mainly located in cities. While The Palms, for instance, is said to accommodate 25, 000 shoppers every Saturday, a major market like the Idumota on Lagos Island, is said to receive much more daily.
Though it is believed that, beyond the shopping opportunities malls offer, they have positive impact on job creations and taxes, especially in Lagos where the state is doing everything possible to ensure residents imbibe the culture of paying tax, open markets create more jobs and higher tax returns.
According to the Iyaloja of Odu’a Market in Ojota, Lagos, Chief Simidele Fadayomi, markets in Lagos also pay tax aside creating jobs for people. Her words: “There is nothing the shopping malls do that we don’t do. In our markets, we follow the directives of the authorities overseeing our affairs. We don’t fail to pay our taxes. We have also created jobs for youths who are unemployed and wasting away after completing their tertiary education. We are all self-employed. Over the years, we have succeeded in creating jobs for many young Nigerians. Even the old who don’t want to be idle have the opportunity to be in our midst. We do not discriminate like the malls where only the high and mighty can afford the rent.”
She also said though the malls, to some extent, are trying to outshine the conventional way of shopping which many are used to, as most major markets are transforming into modern shopping complexes with their rent on the high side, trying to emulate the so-called sophisticated shopping malls, the traditional markets still reign supreme.
“Most markets such as Oyingbo, Tejuosho, Ojota, Mile 12, Oluwole, among others, have been transformed to remain relevant in the scheme of things. They now wear new looks but not everyone can afford the shops. I am appealing to the authorities involved that as much as they want to modernise our lifestyle, they shouldn’t make things difficult. The markets that we are used to should be retained and sustained,” she said
However, many people believe that the possibility of buying fake products in markets is more than that at the malls and that sometimes items are bought at higher prices because haggling is the order of the day in such shopping arenas.
Also, it is common to find people selling all kinds of junk on the floor in open markets, from grocery to household items and electronics at corner shops, road sides and even on the highways. Majority, even those who are regular shoppers at malls cannot but buy from local markets and from street vendors.
When The Nation Shopping spoke with some shoppers, it was realised that many shoppers prefer the conventional way for one reason or the other.
Mr Femi Jones, a building contractor, said: “I am simply used to buying items from the open market, particularly foodstuffs. I was taught by my mother when I was growing up that freshness of food items should be my reason for buying, and I have kept to that over the years, patronising our local markets often. Fresh food items are better bought in markets rather than the long preserved ones displayed, labelled and showcased in malls today.”
Another shopper, Ms. Shade Shonekan, who works with one of the banks in Lagos, said while she appreciates the convenience of the shopping malls, she visits them only for specific items , such as designers clothes, shoes, bags and make up kits. She, however, avoids the malls on Saturdays, saying they can be crowded on such days. But not as crowded as the open markets. According to her, many go to the famous malls to show off their status.
“I am a regular shopper at Balogun Market in Lagos Island. It is convenient for me because my place of work is a stone throw and items are cheap. I prefer to buy my children’s school items at the market. They are cheaper and they stock the same items like those at the malls. I was told by one of the retailers here in Balogun Market that some of the upcoming departmental stores buy from the same manufacturers. And that there shouldn’t be a reason for selling at exorbitant prices.”
For Miss Mabel Otoide, a teacher, the store has made its mark but the truth is that one cannot rule out the market. They will always be there and there are certain items better bought in an open market. “For example, Shoprite might be selling fruits, but I only buy just a few. When I set out for fruits, I go to Ketu. If I set out for food stuff, Mile 12 is just the place. Just as you cannot compare buying fabrics from a boutique to buying same at Balogun. I think it is a matter of what you want to shop for and how convenient it is for you.”
For the likes of Mr Obinna Ihianacho, a spare parts dealer at Ladipo Market in Mushin, the formal stores have the best offer on electronics. “With my experience on buying electronics, your best bet is to go to a shop that has a name to protect and most of the formal stores do. You might be lucky if you buy from just anywhere. But, my dear, it’s better to buy something where I know that I can always return to and know that my right as a consumer is protected,” he said.
He said further that there are certain items that cannot be found in the malls but would always be available in the market. For instance, the items we sell here cannot be got elsewhere but in specific markets like this which specialise in selling spare parts.
“If you pass through various markets in Lagos, you will notice that they appear better and more conducive now than they were a few years ago. For this and many other reasons, the presence of the malls cannot phase out the markets. A lot of people depend on the markets for their livelihood. At most, the traders will improve on their quality and manner of delivery,” said Mr Fatai Akojenu, a market executive at the Badagry Market.
Above all, operators in the open markets have said they are adapting to the new shopping trends to keep them in business.
