The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Shoppers speak as Ladipo market reopens

    Shoppers speak as Ladipo market reopens

    Ladipo International auto spares market, which was closed for two weeks, has reopened for business. It is the second time the market would be shut for poor environmental conditions, road side trading and illegal businesses. Traders have now resolved to always keep the environment clean to avoid recurrence of such closures.

    The Lagos State Government has set up a task force to oversee the market’s sanitation exercise, remove illegal businesses and road side traders from the market.

    According to the Permanent Secretary, Office of Drainage Service, Mr Muyideen Akinsanya, the market is likely to be relocated from the present location if traders fail to adhere to the stipulated conditions and agreement of the Lagos State government who have sworn to sanitise Lagos as a whole.

    This was contained in an agreement jointly signed by Akinsanya, President Ladipo Central Executive Committee (LACEC), Mr Ikechukwu Animalu, Secretary of Ladipo Central Executive Auto Dealers’ Association; Pastor Steve Paul and Chairman, Mushin Local Government, Hon. Babatunde Adepitan.

    However, some traders and shoppers spoke with The Nation Shopping narrating their ordeal while the market was shut.

    A shopper, Mr Taiwo Adekoya said: “I am happy now that the market is open, because we don’t have to go very far to buy goods. Since this market has been closed, business has been very slow for the traders but now customers will be able to patronise them again.”

    Another shopper, Mr Uchenna Okolie said: “I am happy now that this market is open. For the past two weeks I have not been able to buy spare parts to work in my work shop. But now, I can buy my spare parts the way I used to.”

    Mr Shedrack Bayowa said he feels very happy because he does not have to go far to buy spare parts. “I used to go to Owode Onirin to buy; now that the market is reopened I can save transport fare for something else.”

    Mr Godey Osaghei is not happy because most of the sellers have increased the prices of their goods. “I am here to buy brake pad for my car. The brake pad was sold for N1,200 or N 1,500, but now it is sold for N2,000, N2,500 and this is not encouraging at all.”

    Mr Okey Maduka said: “We are happy now that the shops are open. Since the market was closed, we’ve been going to other markets only to find that their goods are more expensive and also you don’t have the opportunity of choosing exactly what you want. But now, we can buy goods at cheaper rate and also make different choices. Most of us who live around are used to this market” he said.

    Mr Bolaji Ogunade said: “I am happy now that the market is open. But the problem is that the shop owners are not allowed to display their wares outside thereby making it difficult for us to access the goods properly.”

    A truck pusher also expressed joy. He said: “I am happy because I am working again. Since they closed this market, I have been unable to fend for myself; it is my only source of income. But now, I can help shoppers carry their goods and make my money through that.

    A food seller, Mrs Basirat Usman is also happy at the opening of the market. She said: ”Since they closed the market, there has been nobody to sell food to because most of my customers are the shop owners and the shoppers. But now that the market is open, I can sell food and make sales.”

    As the shoppers are happy, some of the road side sellers and shop owners are aggrieved.

    Mrs. Makinde Ololade , a road side seller said: “Now that the shops are open, customers won’t come and buy goods from us again because the owners of the shops have come to take their space. It is going to affect business because I have no other place to go; it is my major source of income.”

    Mrs. Rachael Okoro is a road side plantain seller who told The Nation Shopping that a shop owner only showed mercy and allowed her to stay by his shop for this week, after this week he is going to send her packing.

    Another road side seller said that when the government has time, they’ll come and send us away, but as for now, some of us are still lucky because they don’t have our time yet.

    Mr Solomon Agbator, a shop owner, expressed sadness as he complained that the government officials are not being fair. He complained that most of their goods are being seized. He complained that their shops are too small and that the government should permit them to display their wares outside.

     

  • Wristrwatches that speak

    Wristrwatches that speak

    It is important to do some research before buying a wristwatch. It is also important to match wristwatches with occasions. Check shops that have the latest design. Find out the function and its durability. Know if it is leather or chain and how much you can afford. Mind you don’t just go to any shop if you are willing to get the original ones, visit a designer shop like Swatch, Swiss-Movado, Esprite, Dovce and Gabana, Christian Dion, etc. so you can be sure of where you are buying from.

    Be sure it is a durable one though the durable ones are more expensive. You can get from any boutique in Lagos. When thinking of the best among other, think of these: police, which cost N20,000. Escort N5000. Versace N25,000. Omega N8,000., Channel N15,000., Water Resistance N20,000; Swatch N5,000. Roland N25,000, N50,000. Rolex N25,000. louis voitton N40,000, Burberry N30,000. Next N20,000. Nike N15,000. Radioo N25,000.

    Police, Swatch, Roland and Omega. Are the latest designers. According to. Mr Dolapo Arowolo “ wristwatches are on point now, the market is really moving. A customer also testify to the fact that Roland and Omega are mostly worn these days.

    Though prices varies depending on where you are buying from. You can buy from places like Aprilmix at ikoyi; All saint shopping center at Ojuelgba; Attraction at Allen Avenue; All in one at Adeniran Ogunsaya ; Adeos at Ijesha; and Fashion Ladies Designers etc.

    However, A good-looking accessory helps a person to have a good image. A wristwatch is one of the most important accessories for men, it decides whether a man has a good impression or not. If the timepiece he wears is an high-end piece which is made by a famous manufacturer, most people would consider him as a wealthy and successful person.Wristwatch lover intend to be responsible and punctual.

  • Shopping online with ease

    Shopping online with ease

    Shopping online has become a part of our lives, but some still worry that their credit card details will be given to the wrong person. Online shopping is here to stay and online security continues to advance.

    Ensure that you know the identity, location and contact details of the online retailer as there are many online companies. Additionally, many real life stories now include an online retailing arm as part of their retail services and you already know their reputations. It is important to establish the identity of lesser known to the online companies who do not have instant recognition or external status. In this case, it is important to look for the name, company registration details which include e-mail, postal address, telephone number and also a clear indication of where the company’s head- quarters is based.

    •·Find out more about the company’s reputation after looking for these identifications. It is a good idea to also ensure that the company has a good online reputation. Do not assume that just because a store in the real life sell things one way that their online service will be as good. There might be a risk of lacking service back-up or return policies e.t.c. for online purchase that do not exist if you buy direct in the store.

    •Reputation can be checked through the internet for comments from customers. Many reputable online companies allow people to rate their service and product. Another way to determine an online company’s reputation is to check for complaints through a consumer affairs bureau. In addition, you can always phone or e-mail a company the first time you purchase something and ask a question.

    •Find out about billings, guarantees and delivery before you buy. Also, look for additional cost and payment details prior to sending credit card details. Look out for :

    •Delivery costs

    •Whether you will be billed before or after the delivering of the products

    •Whether you can track the item from the moment of purchase to arrival at your door.

    •Whether the products come with a guarantee or warranty for defects.

    •How you can return the product if it doesn’t work or meet your expectation?

    •Who will bear the cost of returning the item?

    •If there is a cooling off period for large items.

    •Read the sites privacy policy: reputable companies will be open about how they collect data from you and what they do with it. Look for a privacy policy and learn about whether the company uses your information beyond the purchase or transaction.

    •Use a credit card with online fraud protection: just in case all else fails, it pays to know the policy for online fraud protection offered by your credit card company. Many credit card companies offer protection against purchases made without your consent.

    •Record purchase details: after purchasing your item, always record the details of the time, date and receipt number and order confirmation.

  • Fun and fury of trade fairs

    Fun and fury of trade fairs

    Trade Fairs are as old as history of business. Many see it as a platform where manufacturers, service providers, small/medium entrepreneurs and end users interact and discuss their products and services. Thus, it is a bargain ground for producers/products exhibitors and shoppers; and the economy stands to derive some benefits from it.

    The “trade shows” is not only to create an atmosphere for shoppers and buyers to interact; it is also to create room for variety of products among sellers, thus bringing about reduction in prices to shoppers’ delight.

    For the fact that shopping is like a stage play where every actor comes, exhibits and leaves, shoppers and vendors adequately maximise their presence at trade fairs.

    Nigerian fairs are primarily designed for enterprises seeking wider access to internal and international markets, and investors seeking joint-venture partners and markets for various goods.

    Nigeria, being a viable market for assorted goods/services from all continents of the world, makes provision for ample opportunities to market new innovations and bring exhibitors and shoppers together for trade activities.

    Trade exhibition poses a lot of competition, especially among those who sell the same products, thus causing pleasant confusion for the shopper who is expected to be prudent and patient on product choice. But shoppers get good bargains, as many products are on promotion with attractive discounts.

    In addition, companies provide casual jobs to unemployed youths who help them market their products. This helps shoppers purchase items at cheaper rates in a relaxed atmosphere spiced with music and other side attractions.

    Trade fairs are significant in the realisation of a nation’s collective aspirations of rapid economic transformation as businesses are enhanced and promoted in the process.

    The representative of the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Alayande Olarewaju said at the Lagos Mega Trade Fair presently going on at Tafa Balewa Square that it is through trade that domestic companies can take advantage of bigger markets at regional, continental and global levels.

    He said: “Trade fairs offer excellent platforms for the promotion of domestic and international trade. However, for us to benefit from trade, local companies must be competitive. Therefore, the creation of an enabling environment to enhance competition is crucial.

    “Putting up trade fair expositions and promotions is the only way the organised private sector can reposition itself to face the emerging challenges of global competition. The importance of trade fairs and exhibitions in the expansion of trade and promotion of economic diversification cannot be over-emphasized as it creates opportunities for buyers and sellers to meet and forge partnerships that can last for a long time. Nigeria like many other developing countries is prepared to streamline trade in its development strategies. The consensus amongst policy makers and the private sector is that in the current economic climate where most economies are battling to reduce budget deficits, reduce unemployment and tackle their sovereign debt crises, the most potent tool for sustainable and inclusive economic growth is trade and investment.”

    Mr Wole Osunkunle, Managing Director, Osworld Associates Limited, the organisers of the ongoing Mega Lagos Fair with the theme Consolidating global economic and political gains through trade promotions said that a fair is an opportunity for people to make contact with manufacturers, create network for new businesses, make contact as distributors/agents, show-case new products and services as well as other benefits. The essence of the trade fair is not only for buying and selling,” he said.

    In a bid to ensure that members of the chamber make maximum use of the yearly fair, he also said, “We encourage participants to give flyers and business cards to those they come in contact with. So, the participants can easily be located for more business deals after the fair,”

    “Trade fairs contribute meaningfully to the expansion of trade for the sustainable economic growth of a nation thereby leaving a positive impression on the minds of participants.”

    The Nation Shopping spoke with some shoppers to find out what their attractions to trade fairs are and how they have gained one way or the other.

    Mrs Adesuwa Ehiadolor said her attraction is the free package that goes with visiting the fairs. “There are free this and that everywhere. Sometimes, when you don’t buy anything, you are given something for spending time at the fair. For instance, drink industries like Nutri-C, Milo and the likes give out free drinks to shoppers whether you patronise them or not. Pens and souvenirs of all sorts are commonly given out at fairs. Some of us patronise fairs because of these consolation gifts we get, regardless of any other thing.

    For Mr Nurudeen Komolafe, the attraction is the promotion and discounts, where shoppers are sure of getting products at cheap rates. ”If trade fairs continue the way they are today, people like me will not miss one for anything. I look forward to fairs, it is favourable to me”.

    Yet for Mr Sanya Akinkunmi, the attraction is also the discounts attached to products. “At the last Lagos International Trade Fair, I was given a 10 per cent discount when I bought a bed, I was to buy it for N40,000, but I was given 10 per cent discount and I got it for N36,000,” he said.

    An exhibitor, Mrs Olushola Ajireru who sells Mouka foam, said ‘trade fair is an avenue for creating awareness for products, though customers benefit more from fairs,” she said.

    Another exhibitor, Mrs. Praise Shopeju who sold Ghana wears at the last Lagos International Trade Fair said it is a good thing, especially in an international fair likes this where you have exhibitors and manufacturers from other countries. It is an opportunity for us to know how receptive Nigerians are and how they value our own products.”

    Osunkunle also noted that whenever there is a kind of bilateral activity, the government would be involved. “That is why, in the course of preparing for a fair, we make sure that we make relevant contacts within and outside the country and with all the government agencies, particularly, our mission outside the country and the mission of foreign countries inside Nigeria. We have to work with them closely because if company “A” is interested in coming from China and the Chinese embassy in Nigeria says Nigeria is not safe; that Nigeria is not a viable place to come, such a company would not come.

    “We also need cooperation to make those agencies understand us and understand the situation and then we need to understand them so that we would be able to market whatever we have in mind. That is how it works; the government is grossly involved because we cannot do it alone, especially if it is an international trade fair and even if it is a local government trade fair, these agencies and the government must be involved because they have to provide the security, the land and some other things. So, you cannot do it on your own. No matter how rich or how big the chamber is, it still needs to work with the government closely because there are things that are beyond the chambers; there are things that only the government can provide,” he said.

    The benefits and the main purpose of trade fairs is exchange of technology and ideas, so that when you invite people, they come and showcase what they have and they try to pick what you have also. The real gain from trade fair is the exchange of ideas, exchange of technology and exchange of bigger business. The actual benefits are in billions and those come from the discussions and exchange of ideas.

     

  • Tips on buying furniture

    Tips on buying furniture

    Quality furniture can be bought from different places. A set of round settee is sold at Garden Supplies on Anthony Village for N30,000; home furniture band fittings are sold by Thomson Furniture at Alimosho, a Lagos suburb for N120,000. Furniture can also be got from Raumplus Nigeria Limited at Victoria Island. The MFD BED comes with mattress, side stool and a dressing mirror for N350,000. Six by six foreign mattress for hotels and household is also sold at Raumplus Nigeria Limited at Victoria Island and a sofa settee goes for N250,000.

    When buying your furniture you have to consider the following steps:

    Budget: Before you head to the furniture stores, determine exactly how much you have to spend on furniture. If you are relying on credit to buy furniture, think about how much monthly payment you can comfortably afford.

    Measure: Measure those areas that you will be putting the desired furniture in. Write the measurements down and bring a tape measure with you to the store. Don’t rely on being able to judge whether a piece of furniture will fit just by eyeing it.

    Quality: If you choose to go to a discount store, don’t be tempted by low prices alone. Look carefully at the quality of the item. Notice the floor mode and how they will hold up to customers sitting on them. Even if an item is popular, it doesn’t mean it’s worth buying.

    Cost: Just because it costs much doesn’t always mean that it is good quality. It just may be overpriced because of the store that it is in. check it out as thoroughly as you would if you were in a discount furniture store.

    Durability: The quality of the furniture will determine how well it is going to hold up to use. If you are looking for a family room that you will be using often, consider how your family will use it, ask yourself if it will stand up to daily use. If it’s a couch, are their cushions reversible? This can help to make it last longer.

  • Traders count losses at Ketu plank market

    Few hours after the Ketu plank market closed for the day last Thursday, traders rushed back to see their shops being destroyed in the raging fire, which authorities are yet to determine.

    The traders were roaming around the remnants of their shops and the remains of their wares.

    The effect of the disaster was evident everywhere as women held their head because there was nothing to be salvaged.

    Mr Ibrahim Musibaudeen starred to where his shop once stood, he lost goods worth N500, 000 in his building material shop, he had three other shops in the market and all were destroyed. He started the business about 30 years ago.

    Another trader said as at the time the fire started, nobody was in the market. He was in Ikorodu when he got a call about 10pm that the market was on fire.

    The Director, state fire service Mr Rasaq Fadipe complained about how some of the fire fighters were manhandled by the traders and also complained that the traders didn’t allow the fire fighters to carry out their duties effectively as they were roaming across the place. He further stated that if the traders had allowed the fire fighters to carry out their job effectively, some properties would have been saved.

    Mrs Adekoya Bolanle, a resident told The Nation Shopping that the fire started at about 9pm spreading fast to other parts of the community where the market is situated.

    Another resident, Mr Simon Arebah who described the incident as ‘sorrowful’said the fire razed some buildings but there was no report of death.

    According to shop owners, 500 shops, a mosque and two churches were burnt. They said the incident may have been as a result of sabotage.

    Alhaji Aliu Bello, chairman of plank sellers also said the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. He said it was speculated that the fire would have started from sparks from an electrical surge in the public power supply of the market.

    “Many traders apart from losing their wares must have also lost cash because here it is a common practise for traders to keep their money in their shops at the market.”

  • Weave-on for fashionable women

    Weave-on has gained the heart of many ladies. Most of them buy the best weave on just to look good. The Inches of these weave-on determines the prices. A weave-on customer, Miss Zainab Orelope said: “I like to buy Brazilian hair because its looks like my natural hair. An original Brazilian weave on cost N 95,000. There are cheaper ones which cost N24,000 and N1,200 respectively, they are in the 12inches and 32inches. The Chocolate weave on cost N5,500. Reamy brazil N6, 600, Peruvian cost N20,000, Laco wig cost 24,000. Celebrity cost N1,200, Pretty cost N7,00, Charming cost N7,00, Chois cost N1,500. Top quality cost N1,800, Lady rainbow cost N2,500, Mix cost N500 and Noble cost N700. Synthetic weave on cost between N3,00 and N1,700.

    The prices fluctuate like every other item, especially during December. Most people love to fix not only because its add to their beauty but also covers some ugly secrets.

    Mrs Oluwafunmi Adepoju prefers wearing a wig to cover her hair that pulls when touched.

    “I put on a wig because I don’t have hair in front, not because it adds to my beauty, it only covers my hair. Miss Chima Kalu loves fixing weave-on because it makes her hair appear longer.

    Despite the huge prices of the Brazilian weave-on, it is most ladies favourite. Miss Sharon William, a student said she prefers Brazilian hair and Peruvian hair.

    Ladies and women are the major traders of this business and every two weeks new products and hairstyles are introduced into the market.

    To differentiate the fake from the original, smoothness guarantees you are buying the genuine one; on the other hand, the fake ones are hard.

    They come in different colours, inches, which determine their prices. Selection of colour is based on individuals. Colour like black and brown are mostly used because its matches all skin type. Weave-on has now experienced new product and designs.

    Mrs Kabiru Badejo sells weave on at Aspanda along the Badagry express way. She said people patronise weave-on like Peruvian hair, Brazilian, chocolate, reamy, solo, laco wig among others. “The longer the weave-on the higher the price it is sold.” she said.

    “There are two types of human hair. One is called synthetic, while the other is original human hair.

    Original human hair is not slippery, it is straight and soft unlike the synthetic that feels slippery when touched.

  • Irregularities in food prices continue

    Irregularities in food prices continue

    Prices of foodstuff and other commodities still remain irregular in most markets, probably because of the constant security challenges facing the northern part of the country, among other factors. Reports TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Irregularities in food prices have prevented traders and consumers from buying what they want. While some traders ascribe the irregularities to security challenges, other blame it on other factors, such as high cost of transporting goods from the north,

    A visit to some markets in Lagos and a survey on other major markets has shown that prices of commodities have been irregular since December during the Christmas celebrations. Some items are still sold twice their usual prices. Initially, though prices always return to normal after festivities, the reverse is the case.

    Various categories of eateries and canteens are now encouraged to increase how much they sell their meals. A food vendor, Mrs Kelechi Ugbona, said things are no longer the way they were last year because according to her, the quantity of beans she bought for N400 three months ago, now sells for between N900 and N1,200.

    She added that foodstuffs have now become very expensive, and that they have become three times the prices they used to be at the last year. She attributed the hike to high cost of transportation and said “some traders whom I patronise told me they sell to make profit and so, they include the transportation fare with the prices.

    Beans has been the most expensive and customers have not stopped lamenting due to its unstable price-especially those brought from the northern part of the country. Mrs Adenike Taiwo, who sells beans in small and large quantities, complained that a bag of beans which used to cost N14, 000 four months ago is now N20, 000.

    “I know the beans hike has to do with the crisis in the north. Tomorrow its price might reduce lower than what it used to be. For now it’s just here and there, sometimes traders are tired to purchase because we are not sure of how much we are taking with us’’ she said.

    A trader, Mr Kingsley Maduka attributed it to the late last year flood in most of the northern states where food items are transported from.

    “The Bornu, Jigawa, Sokoto and Kano flood in November caused havoc in the north and farmlands were washed away. Only those who could save some crops increased the prices to make up for their investments,” he said.

    A wheelbarrow of yam is between N8,000 and N15, 000. It hasn’t been stable after Christmas. Rice fluctuates between N7, 300 and N10, 000 per bag.

    The Secretary of the Mile-12 food stuff market, Alhaji Muhammed Abdul said the past flood is a reason for the rise and fluctuation in prices. “Some people planted and couldn’t harvest. Like, in my village in the North, flood washed away everything including maize. Any water above the knee can automatically wash away the crops. The farmers lose millions of Naira. It’s just like when a river overflows. When the flood came, it overflew all the crops and we didn’t find anything to harvest.”

    Survey shows that the price of garri, which is regarded as a common staple food among low income earners has also being irregular, jumping to N280, sometimes N300 for a brand while another brand sells for between N200 and N230. Yam flour now goes for between N750 and N800 at times, while those mixed with cassava are between N500 and N600.

    According to traders the prevailing security challenges facing some part of the Northern states has prevented many of them from travelling to states like Borno, Sokoto, Yobe , as well as Chad and Niger Republic, where most of the commodities are available to be purchased at affordable prices.

    A yam seller, Mr Bala Usman told The Nation Shopping that the country is no longer safe for traders who travel to the North to get these foodstuffs cheap, so that they can also sell them cheap to consumers. “The yam you see here are costly; it is not our fault we also have to sell to make profits. We are afraid to travel to our home towns” he said

    A retailer, Mr Franklin Idumebor said: “Food stuffs are now very expensive. It keeps rising and I wonder when it will ever fall, we sell according to how we buy.”

    The price of onions has remained relatively stable. A bag sells for between N5,000 and N6,500; a small bag of 50kg costs between N2,500 and N3,000. Half sack sells for between N3,000 to N4,000. Last month, it was from N6,000 to N7,000.

     

  • Gadgets now portable

    Gadgets now portable

    As the world advances, things tend to get smaller and smaller to cope with the fast paced world. The smaller they are, the easier for people to carry around. Writes TONIA’DIYAN.

    one are the days when people want to keep big old fashion equipment. Everyone is moving with the trend using handy gadgets which are better, portable and come in beautiful modern designs and models.

    An example of a handy gadget is the small hand powered washing machine which is designed to save some electricity bills, because of its size; washing clothes on the go is also guaranteed.

    With the introduction of portable kitchen in the market today, large kitchens do not have to be permanently installed. So that, they can be moved from one apartment to another. The portable kitchen is preferred by households because it is handy and it enables extra workspace as well as provides solutions to storage problems. They are not only used in houses but can be used when serving buffet style dinner.

    They are available in many designs ranging from the simplest to the most elaborate, made from different materials like wood, granite and stainless steel. No matter the style or theme of your space, you will surely find the perfect type that will compliment and fit in. To achieve that sophisticated look for your kitchen area, consider using the portable kitchen , you will only be saying goodbye to the hassle of remodelling and installing old kitchen. It will bring out the best at a lesser cost.

    A peculiar tie with lots of pockets and slots for credit cards, identity cards and other valuable documents including cash is the portable tie. They come in different patterns and colours. They sell for N1,500 each and are durable.

    Mr Nduka Ukomadu. Who imports these ties is a major distributor at the alade market Allen, Ikeja. He said he is fond of the tie as such, he uses them regularly as he stocks them in their numbers .”it is one of my most treasured asset. I love them in their colours and patterns. They are just cute for my foreign currencies and travelling document. It is one thing business men shouldn’t do without, it helps a great deal.” he emphasised

    The portable toilet called “shit on the go” is also a handy piece where one can enjoy its scenery while using it.

    It is sold for N25,000……

    The portable DVD player is what many have particular fondness for especially the men. Gone are the days when a trip meant that a television was out of the question. However, within the past several years, portable DVD players have allowed people take movies everywhere and in really high quality.

    With the luxuries of portable DVD players at hand, a person can hunt, travel, and do a vast assortment of activities with convenience. It is one genius invention with which you get to work while you walk,travel, shop or jog.

    Portable TVs are a convenient way of occupying your children. They’re lightweight, easy to carry, easy to store and are relatively inexpensive-especially if you buy a used one. Knowing where to look for a used portable TV can save you money. Alaba international market, ojo and west minister, apapa stock lots of them.

    There are many small appliances found in a kitchen.

    Unlike major appliances that are typically fixtures that can’t be moved easily, small appliances refer to a class of appliances that are portable or semi-portable. While some are used handheld, most of them are used on tabletops, countertops and other platforms. Small appliances are usually powered by electricity. Others are gas-powered or battery-powered. Every type of appliance is designed to enable or assist in performing a specific function, improve a situation or provide entertainment to the user.

     

  • Mall revolution

    Mall revolution

    Most Nigerians shop from markets or purchase their goods from traders and street vendors but the government is seeing the tax benefits of more formalised trading. This, added to the rising expectations of consumers, has led to a modest boom in the development of shopping malls. This is expected to accelerate considerably in the near future.

    As one would expect of the nation’s foremost commercial centre, Lagos is at the forefront in building shopping malls. The Lagos City Mall is a well-established complex while the Silverbird Galleria, offers the city’s only multi-cinema complex. It was the building of The Palms in late 2005 however, which set a new bar by providing a wide choice of shopping experiences in a modern, customer-oriented, building.

    The Nigerian developer, who initiated the project, Tayo Amusan of Persianas Properties said: “This development and retail environment is unprecedented in Nigeria’. Situated on Lekki Peninsula, The Palms was a truly international effort: capital from UK-based equity company Actis, electrical contracting by Israeli.

    Very high standards were set for the building of this 23, 600-square-metre centre, which has its own generator, water purifier and sewage treatment plant. Some of the problems encountered in the building of the shopping mall illustrate the challenges facing foreign retailers in Nigeria. Getting building materials through the ports was difficult, and many of the items needed for fitting out the store were on the import banned list. The import ban exists to protect local manufacturing but it was impossible to find locals who could produce some of the items needed.

    Since the building of The Palms, the number of items on the banned list has been cut and the import tariff reduced from 29 to 12 percent. Despite the very considerable difficulties in building the centre, delaying the opening by more than a year, it has been so well received byLagosians that plans are under way to double the size of the centre, with anchor tenant Shoprite alone adding 2,000 square metres to its floor space.

     

    Pioneer tenants

    When Tayo Amusan went looking for tenants, he first approached British firms which enjoy high brand recognition among Nigerians. Amusan said the British ‘shredded the proposal’ so he turned to South Africa. He persuaded food retailer Shoprite, electronics and appliances store Game, and cinema company Nu Metro to sign on as anchor tenants.

    Nu Metro had already tasted success in Lagos with outstanding returns from its Media Store, ‘the massive pent up demand for world-class retail that exists in Nigeria’. Shoprite is Africa’s biggest food retailer with 969 outlets in 17 countries and this experience has given it the resilience to overcome the difficulties of setting up a retail business in Nigeria. Nu Metro has since sold its holdings to Nigerians.

    Doing business in Nigeria is easier today. The existence of a computerised registry and new regional offices of the Corporate Affairs Commission (responsible for registering new businesses) are key factors in this improvement.

    ‘Game’is similarly experienced in Africa (10 countries) and is sourcing about 35per cent of its product range within Nigeria. Game’s Director for Africa, Richard Fuller said: “We believe in supporting local business products wherever we can, as long as the customer benefits and the prices are in line. Our number of local suppliers is growing at a rapid rate.”

    Plans

    Several high-end shopping complexes linked to hotel development are in the pipeline in Lagos and Abuja. There is the six-storey, 20 000-square square metre Ceddi Plaza which was built at $20-million . The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has called for investors to install and run shopping malls at various airports across the country.

    The most ambitious retail project is at Tinapa in Calabar, Cross River State. Tens of thousands of square metres have been set aside for retail ‘emporiums’ in what is hoped will become West Africa’s answer to Dubai. As evidence that Nigeria’s middle class really is a powerful entity, it is said that 500 Nigerians shop in Dubai daily. The newspaper estimates the annual loss to Nigeria at $1.8-billion and puts the blame for this on the fact that it has taken too long to make Tinapa Business and Leisure Resort operational.

    Built with $450-million, Tinapa obviously has tremendous potential as a retail and leisure destination, but there are many issues that need to be resolved before it can live up to expectation

    •Source- Google