The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Why shoppers prefer night market

    Some say for convenience, affordability and availability, night market is better, especially for those who don’t have time during the day for shopping. IDOWU TAIBAT writes that at the Adedeji Night market in Itire, a Lagos surburb, shopping is easy because of the relatively cheap prices.

    Adedeji night market at old Garage bus-stop, Itire, a metropolitan area in Lagos State, has been an advantage to the working class.

    Commodities in the market are more affordable than the day market. It Is mostly patronised by working class people within and outside the area. Some people visit the market because they can’t cope with the harsh rays of the sun in the afternoon. But majority visit mainly because of its affordability.

    There are more items at the night market. Mainly items such as cassava flour, yam flour, all kinds of food items, school items for children, assorted fruits, hair beauty and barbing salon, restaurant, hot baked bread directly from the bakery , shoes, bags, male and female accessories, clothes , etc. The market is secured, such that there is a police station and policemen are always on patrol.

    As expected of a normal market environment, the market is noisy one with cars plying the road and traders calling on passersby to patronise them. Items are displayed on thick nylons spread on the ground and some on tables.

    One of the traders called Iya Cele told The Nation Shopping that she sells cheap items to customers mainly the regular ones. My customers benefit a lot from me; I don’t fail to give them value for their money when they visit the market.

    For Mrs Abimbola Ishola, who visited the market to buy food items, she said: “I am always busy during the day; therefore shopping at night is the best option. As you can see, this place is a blessing to people like me. I can tell you that for some time, I have not done my shopping anywhere else. I have come to buy some foodstuffs that I will cook for my family when I return home.

    Miss Fausat Ibrahim, a worker with a construction company, said it is easy for her to buy things at the night market because her house is not far from the market and she is more comfortable shopping there. The market is open every day, even on Sundays.

    An advantage of the market is it gives traders much room, especially women; it gives them time to do other things. Nursing mothers also have time for their babies during the day .

     

  • ‘Nigerians are better shoppers’

    How fulfilled are you in Nigeria?

    The potential in Nigeria is unbelievable; it is something that cannot be compared with any other place in Africa. There is a big difference between the South African shopping culture and the Nigerian shopping culture. The average unit per consumer in Nigeria is much more than in South Africa. Nigerians buy much more than South Africans and this is very visible. Mr Price has been successful for many years of building the brand but with what is obtainable in Nigeria within one year of existence, means that we are barely scratching the surface.

     

    What are your prospects?

    The company’s prospect is higher in Nigeria. It cannot be compared with those of other African countries. Strategically, ‘Mr Price’ is based in Nigeria and we operate from here. We will be feeding the Ghanaian and other African markets from here. When we came to Nigeria, then we knew we just ventured into Africa proper.

    Who is Nigeria’s competition?

    The Ghanaian spending power is close to that of Nigeria. Ghanaian consumers also have high spending power like Nigerians. They are almost on par with their Nigerians counterparts.Mr Price is in other parts of Africa like; Namibia and Botswana, but we are driven by the possibilities available in Nigeria, being a powerhouse of development and economic activities. Despite the fact that some challenges came up, we are very glad with what we have achieved in the last year.

    What are your strategies?

    Our strategy in the area of property acquisition is to set up about twenty-five to thirty stores in the next three years.

    Due to the rate of development, there are a number of potential sites that have been found. Obviously, not every store will be in a shopping centre or a shopping mall like they have it in Lagos. There will be stand-alone stores. Stores with well established Nigerian retail companies will also be set up.

    We will have landlords develop properties to our specifications; renovate some properties to fit into our business. By and large, we will not only set up stores in shopping centres, it will be a combination of both the shopping centres and the stand-alone stores.

    What challenges are you facing?

    Competition against local market is a major challenge for Mr Price, being able to cope with other international retail brands entering Nigeria is a test.

    And this is because there is a shopping culture embedded in the minds of an average Nigerian that they should shop in the local market. However, our prices are very affordable and we offer quality products.

    Though it’s pretty difficult to reverse that culture, the store is to find ways to attract these consumers to and make them experience a different type of shopping and still get the same quality and value.

    Have you studied the Nigerian culture?

    We have shape our merchandise to accommodate the Nigerian climate. In terms of logistics, it’s not as easy with the traffic to get stocks to the stores in a timely manner. I think we’ve managed to get a good idea of the landscape over the last one year.”

    How has Nigerian employees benefited from you?

    Beyond financial investments, a more important factor is to invest in human capital. That is, investing in people, helping to develop new talents and creating job opportunities for the country. The minimum number of employee we have is two hundred workers.

    What do you have to say concerning the fire incident last month?

    I praised the fire service for the manner at which they handled the fire incident in the shop last month. The evacuation was world-class and I think I must mention it

    What are you expansion plans?

    Generally, our plan is to open about 25 to 30 stores in the country. I think if we can get to that it will be a big success. It will be beyond our expectations. We would have opened four more by April and we think with this, we are on the right track. In other words, if we can roll out 25 to 30 stores in three years, then we would have surpassed our expectations. Primarily, we think Lagos is so big and we think there are so many opportunities here that even if we open ten stores in Lagos, we will only be scratching the surface.

  • High prices of livestock, foodstuff herald Sallah

    High prices of livestock, foodstuff herald Sallah

    Id-Al-Adha is a season of celebration observed by Muslims by slaughtering rams and preparing various delicacies.

    With this year’s Sallah festival, the country is battling with challenges such as scarcity of fuel and increase in transport fare as well as high prices of foodstuffs and livestock. People are facing so much difficulty in getting their rams and foodstuffs for the celebration.

    Ram is the major livestock used for the Sallah celebration and due to the increase in the price of fuel resulting in scarcity, it has been difficult to transport the item from neighbouring countries, such as Niger Republic without increase in their prices.

    A ram that cost N35, 000 last year is now N60,000. Bad roads has also contributed to the increase in prices of ram since truck owners charge exorbitant fares to convey them from Kano to other places.

    Mallams in Kano complained that the recent floods have washed away or killed their rams meant for sales for the festival. This has resulted in increase in the prices of rams.

    The abattoir at Berger bridge along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is popularly known for sales of livestock, especially during the Sallah season, but buyers have been complaining about the high cost of ram.

    A butcher, Yusuf Abdullah, said there have not been customers to purchase ram because of the rise in prices. He said he had to sell a ram of N50, 000 last year for N90,000 this year because of the challenges the country is facing.

    Mr Musibau Oladele, a buyer at the ram market at Oke-Afa Bridge, Isolo, Lagos, said that a ram he bought for N40,000 last year has now been increased to N85,000. Also, at the Owode Ram Market, near Mile 12, Lagos, the price of ram range from N70,000 to N150,000.

    It is not just the cost of ram that has increased, but also the prices of foodstuffs, such as fresh tomatoes, rice, onions and groundnut oil. A basket of tomato was between N8,000 and N10,000. But now costs N40,000. The medium basket formerly N500 is now N800.

    Mrs Titilope Ajanaku, a buyer at Mushin market, said the rate of the increase in price of fresh tomatoes is alarming. She stated that as at last month she still bought a small size basket of tomatoes for N150 but now it is N400.

    Mrs Kikelomo Badmus, a trader at the popular foodstuff Daleko market, said the increase in sales of foodstuffs was due to the Sallah celebration, which increased the demand for food items. She said a bag of rice that was formerly N8,000 to N10,000 now costs between N15,000 and N20,000 depending on the quality.

    Other markets where rams could be bought are Alabarago market along the Lagos Badagry Express Way, Lagos, Costain and Ketu Alapere markets by Ikorodu road, Lagos.

    Mr Abddul Azeez who trades in livestock on Kumuyi Street at Ojuwoye market, Mushin, Lagos, said: “The prize of ram ranges from N30,000 to N50,000, but the prize of cow is higher, ranging from N80,000 to N100,000 depending on the size. It is a bit more costly this year. But you know, it is something we cannot do without this festive period. It is a very lucrative business but a seasonal one. People have taken advantage of the festivity to nurture the livestock for some months before the Sallah to make them look healthier and more robust. It is expected of Muslim faithful to share the items with neighbours, friends and well wishers.

  • A breath of fresh air

    A breath of fresh air

    Air fresheners are very affordable, but vary in types, fragrance, prices and sizes. They are sold in markets and stores in your neighbourhood.

    Whether you are looking for a battery operated automatic metered spray air freshener system to deodorise your environment around the clock, natural air fresheners, hand held air fresheners, or you simply want a solid auto air freshener for your car, office, bathroom, reception, room, restroom, smoking area, kitchen or home, air fresheners have that touch of luxury to brighten your environment and give it a lasting fragrance.

    Local air fresheners such as airwick cost N350. The automatic ones cost between N1, 500 to N2, 000.

    Air fresheners are designed to deal with household odor problems. The fragrances create a fresh and pleasant atmosphere in your immediate environment.

    To transform your home to a great environment making you feel happy and joyous, air fresheners have a range of offerings to suit your specific needs. It is an affordable way to protect yourself against the harmful effects of indoor air pollution.

    “Without air fresheners in my home, I always feel uncomfortable. I make sure I buy them at every shopping opportunity; this is because I can’t do without them, they make my home smell great”, said Mrs. Elizabeth Ahonsi who is of the view that air fresheners are a must for every home and environment.

    Air fresheners typically emit sweet fragrance. There are two broad air freshener categories: continuous action and instant action. Continuous action products include: scented candles and devices which use a candle frame or some other heat source to heat or vapourise a fragrant formulation.

    Instant action systems are mainly aerosol sprays, or atomisers. The aerosol spray uses a propellant and fragrance packaged under pressure in a sealed metal or glass container with a valve which is opened by pressing down a button which contains a spray nozzle.

    Air fresheners introduce fragrance into the air of interior spaces either as droplets which translates to vapour or as the molecules of fragrance ingredient evaporating from a source. Fragrance diffuses into the air to mask other odors or to introduce a specific odor.

    Automatic air fresheners, handheld room deodorizers, solid air fresheners, ozium odor neutralisers, aero air fresheners, air fresheners dispensers, gel air fresheners and bathroom air fresheners are all available to achieve that desired fragrance that you deserve.

  • Hot sale of abbayas for Sallah

    The Sallah festival is not just a celebration for killing rams and preparing delicacies but also for adorning beautiful attires.

    The latest fashion trend nowadays is Indian gowns and abbayas worn mostly by Muslim women. These attires can be used for social, traditional and wedding events. They are usually beautiful and colourful.

    They are affordable, costing between N2, 500 and N4,000. But with the Sallah, they now cost N5,000 to N10,000 depending on the size and length, which may be long or short.

    Alhaja Muibat Oladejo, a trader at Nnamdi Azikwe Road, Central Mosque, Idumota, Lagos, said she had to increase the prices of her clothes because of the Sallah celebration. She also said her goods come from Kano and the transporters have increased the fare due to fuel scarcity and this has led her to increase prices.

    Mrs Toibat Abdul Kareem, a shopper at the market, said she had to buy clothes that went for N4,500 last year for N6,000 due to the economic challenges in the country.

    Abbaya wears can also be got at Al-Ameens place at 13, Lagos Road, Benson Bus-stop, Ikorodu, Lagos at affordable prices ranging from N5, 000 to N10,000 depending on the sizes.

  • How to buy a good rug

    The most important step in buying a good rug is to find a rug dealer you can trust. The best rug dealers are those who love to share their knowledge with you to enable you make the right choice.

    Some of the finest, ones can be found at Nobel Carpets and rugs located at 44, Eric Moore Road, Surulere, Lagos, Btr Commercial Enterprises, 7/9 Itire Road, Surulere, Lagos, Duluxe Carpet located at 67 Awolowo Road, Ikeja, Lagos.

    At the Ojuwoye market, Mushin, Lagos, a fairly used plain rug which has no design is sold for N30,000 depending on the size. A yard is N4,000. The price of fairly Persian rugs range, from N60,000 to N120,000 depending on the quality. It costs N8,000 per yard and has hard textual quality.

    Before you head to the rug store, measure the area the rug will cover. Remember, you should probably have a border of flooring all the way around the rug. Allow for a range of sizes; the greater the range the more choices you will have. Consider if you will prefer traditional rug or those with contemporary designs. To guide your decision, you may consider getting an interior designer to help you find a suitable one. But remember, the rug dealer’s focus will be on quality. Yours will be on what you like. Listen to all, but mostly to yourself. Ensure that the pattern of rug does not clash with the curtains.

  • Local designs affordable, resourceful

    Local designs affordable, resourceful

    Local designs have gained prominence and dot various social and corporate events in and outside the country.

    The Nigerian native attire remains the toast of many gatherings but with a difference. Its increased popularity has spurred many designers to create contemporary outfits that could be worn for all occasions. From the boutique in your neighbourhood, the market closest to you, to the high brow stores and major markets across the country, it is interesting to see an array of local fabrics sewn stylishly that make the wearer stand out at any gathering.

    They are richly designed and very affordable. Almost every market has a section for local fabrics as well as tailored ones but they are cheaper at specialised markets, such as Balogun and Gotta in Lagos Island, Itokun in Abeokuta and Gbagi in Ibadan. Many notable fashion designers get their materials and accessories from these markets for their trendy designs attires which they display in malls and boutiques. Some export them abroad and make huge profit from their sales because of its high demand in various parts of the world.

    In the past, people wore native attires mostly for cultural and traditional events, such as weddings, festivals, christening and burial. Even at that, it was optional – only the core traditionalists imbibed it. But today, the case is different. Local designs dot every social gathering you can think of. Many wear them at corporate events. It is also trendy in offices; many people use them to make beautiful styles with a mix of corporate flavour.

    In the past, many red carpet events flaunted clothes, shoes and accessories by western designers. But these days, many are proud to say their outfits have been made from local fabrics. This was also a major observation last Saturday, during the 2013 Hip hop World award ceremony otherwise called ‘The Headies’. Unlike previous editions of the show where people made a show of wearing outfits from foreign designers, most of those interviewed by Hip TV on the Yellow carpet said their clothes were sourced locally.

    The Managing Director, Faculus Fashion, a high brow fashion outfit on Adenekan Salako Close, Ogba, Lagos, Mr Dele Faculude Olowe highlighted the uniqueness of local designs and gave tips on how to shop for them.

    He said: “Great respect is now accorded native fabrics and that is what it should be. This time things have changed. People wearing native to the office helps us to have customers. There are certain things to consider while buying native fabrics. If it is lace fabric for instance, look at the quality of the material. Look at the fabric and not just the embroidery. You have to be sure that it is 100 per cent cotton. The best lace is Swiss. It is our job, so we know the fabrics very well. It is also advisable to buy from different stores, except you discover a seller who is honest. You can also know the quality through the price. As far as I am concerned, I will tell you; this must be more expensive than this.”

    On shopping for Guinea brocade, he said: “If you do not know it, you may buy the fake as original. Look at the label. The best among them is Jetsner. It depends on the shop and the price. The same applies to Ankara, wooden and other local fabrics. You have to know them very well, to be able to identify the fake from the original. Many of my customers rely on me to help them spot the original when they are shopping. But it is something you can also do for yourself, if you are very observant”.

    His outfit, Faculus Fashion, sited between two banks is a port of call for managing directors of several companies, local government chairmen, retired generals, government functionaries, prominent men in the society and the middle class.

    Having been in the trade for over 40 years, he seems to have established himself with a particular set of customers. “We sew for selected people. It is classy and not expensive. At the same time, we do not want every Tom Dick and Harry. My clients are mainly in their 40s and 50s. You know, the set of people who are highly responsible and value our native attires”, he said.

    “We only sew for men. I create my designs. I give each design a number, so when you are coming again, we make sure we do not repeat it. When I do a particular design, I put it under your name. I thank God for one thing. About 80 per cent of customers for the past 20 years are still with me.”

    Some of the designs are: long caftan, agbada, danshiki, buba and sokoto. Embroidery and stitches are skillfully incorporated to form unique styles.

    “We receive fabrics and sew. We buy for the customer on request. The fabrics we work on are Guinea brocade, wooden, linen, lace, adire and other local fabrics.

    With about N25,000 one can get a trendy Guinea brocade. You can buy five yards of the fabric for N18,000. Italian linen costs less than N20,000 while Bankok linen costs N12,000.

    The company name Faculus, was coined from his name, Faculude.

    Despite the progress of local designs, he noted that the erratic power supply is a major challenge in the trade.

    “Power supply is a major impediment. We spend so much on alternative power. It is not helping us. If the government can do something about electricity, Nigeria will grow. If they can just take care of that area, other things will follow.”

    Speaking of his sustainability in the business, he said: “I give thanks to God and my clients. They love me and assist me.”

    He expressed disappointment at financial institutions saying: “Banks are not helping issues. They do not give loans. The interest rate is too high.”

    He gave a piece of advice to shoppers: “Some people do not have taste. The best thing is to look out for a good designer who would clothe you properly.”

  • Shoppers love fun, too

    Yes, shoppers may be looking for bargains, but they also value a fun and entertaining shopping experience. If you provide that, the customers will keep coming.

    Since it costs five times as much to acquire a new customer than to retain an existing one; and dissatisfied customers vote with their feet, smart retailers pay very close attention to customer relations.

    This means that every employee needs to treat every customer like the precious resource they are, since they are the future of your store. Be proactive about making changes to merchandise, prices and customer service programmes. Staying in-tune with your customer is the key to staying on top.

    Once you have set up your store based on the above, it’s time to get the customers in. The Los Angeles Times recently had an article listing some examples of in-store promotions being used by retailers. These will give you some ideas on how to create your own in-store promotions. These include holding parties, offering loyalty discounts, providing classes and career counseling to get catch the interest of customers.

    Some stores team up with local medical practitioners to offer free blood pressure and breast cancer screenings and conduct free nutrition workshops.

    Some even host a cocktail party and initiate a reward programme that gives customers a certain discount every time they spend up to a particular amount. This is the kind of thing MTN is doing with its five* bonus. It gives its customers a target of spending N200 air time and winning N1,000 airtime, which expires 12 midnight same day. Other networks have also taken to similar promos.

    Some give free gifts at the purchase of a particular item. For instance, Samsung is currently running a promo whereby if you buy its new refrigerator, you get a smart camera or galaxy pocket for free.

    Some shops offer sewing and craft workshops. This is common among sugar craft artists. While holding exhibitions, they also engage in workshops and training for interested shoppers.

    They enlist a career coach who offers guidance to customers on home making and do-it-yourself activities.

    Many shopping malls offer leisure and entertainment options. Many provide children’s court where the kids could catch fun while their parents shop. Even smaller stores which do not have so much space to spare also make provision of sort to enable shoppers catch fun. It could be in the provision of cable TV for shoppers who walk in to watch the Premiership and great movies.

    Keep in mind that once the customer is in the store, your focus should be on merchandising. Avoid filling racks with discounted products and minimal staff. Merchandisers should move appealing products to the front and promote by using eye-catching displays.

    Maintain the value of your retail brand with a clean and well-presented store front. Regardless of the economy, consumers want to enjoy their shopping experience. Make sure your store front is warm and inviting get-away from the daily economic downturn.

    Perhaps this was what inspired the revamp of Popular retail brand, Marks & Spencer. It is wheeling out an array of props including mopeds and pasta machines as part of a £600million revamp of its shop floors, which will see stores within stores created for its clothing ranges and the return of delicatessen counters. Its chief executive, Marc Bolland, ordered the believing that, despite £2bn spent by his predecessor Sir Stuart Rose on modernising the estate, the shops remain stubbornly difficult to navigate and less than inspiring. The new design is already being tried in 16 stores around the United Kingdom, including the new outlet at Westfield Stratford City in east London. Bolland chose to show off the new concept not in Stratford, but with a tour of the M&S branch in High Street Kensington. He believes that the revamp revamp will boost sales by £1billion to £1.5billion over three years. The same has also been done for the grocery section. Taking inspiration from organic farmers’ markets, the food hall shelves have been clad in wood and galvanised steel, and the bakery produces sourdough bread as well as the usual croissants. The flowers are in zinc rather than plastic buckets, mounted on wooden crates.

    This is what distinguishes famous brands all over the world. They have maintained their reputation over the years by bringing creativity and innovation into their acts and making changes where necessary.

    Keep in touch with your retail results. Use your store technology to know what promotions are effective and where consumer experiences are lacking.

    Use your POS system to assess customer purchase and return history that verifies customer satisfaction, allowing you to offer new items at preferential pricing that a valued customer might want.

    Using information on your customers, their demand and some market intelligence, leverage that knowledge to build a strategic, targeted approach to pricing, promotion, assortment and other crucial merchandising functions.

    Take a look at whether the category roles and image items you identify are really perceived that way by your customers. For example, do your traffic drivers actually yield profitable traffic or do they encourage cherry-pickers? The technology you have in your store can help you determine the answer.

  • Onitsha, a shopper’s delight

    Onitsha, a shopper’s delight

    Onitsha has become one of the busiest commercial centres in the country. Among other markets, it accommodates the Main Market, acclaimed to be the biggest in West Africa and attracts millions of shoppers from various parts of the world, especially West Africa. 

    If you refer to Onitsha in the heart of Anambra State as the home of all trades, it cannot be disputed. Possibly, due to its strategic position, close to the River Niger, the town attracts great commercial activities. Anyone leaving or going to the Southeast must pass through the town. It, therefore, boasts of several shopping destinations, but the local markets are the most patronised.

    Upper Iweka, known as the take-off point for most commercial vehicles leaving Onitsha, is a large market. The presence of travellers leaving and returning makes the place a shopper’s destination any day. From the massive motor park where commuter drivers pack to load their vehicles, travellers waiting for the take off of their vehicles could buy virtually everything they need. If hawkers are not able to locate you on time, you could dash into the market nearby to get anything you want. This makes the place a stop-over point for a lot of people.

    Away from Upper Iweka, if you are looking for a thriving market where you can shop, among the first to be mentioned is the Main Market, acclaimed the largest in West Africa. Many see it as a market with creative and proactive business men and women.

    It is mainly known for its ability to offer virtually all types of goods and services. There are different sections for retailers and whole sellers. Shoppers always troupe to the market to purchase their daily needs.

    Those who spoke to The Nation Shopping spoke on the stability and progress of the market. A marketer from Enugu, Mr Ogbonna Chibuzor, said: “Since I have been marketing my products I have not seen a place so friendly as the Main market, Onitsha. Business with the people here has been going so smoothly and they also know how to treat a customer. Here, they believe that once you treat a customer right he or she will come back again.

    A seller from the market, Mr Okonkwo Azublke, said: “Here prices are cheaper due to competitors all over the market. Everybody wants to sell even at the gain of one Naira. Every day we see different categories of people who come from far places, some are foreigners, while some come from neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Togo, Chad and Niger Republic. There is also no day that passes without shoppers patronsing us. Business here has been encouraging.”

    Another market that attracts a lot of shoppers is the popular Relief Market on Owerri Road where you can find most of the things you desire. The market also thrives at night.

    The Ose Main market by the river side is also one of the most fascinating places to shop because the traders deal in different kinds of edible things like fruits, yam, rice, onions, wheat and cassava, among others. Here people from different villages in Anambra assemble very early in the morning to showcase their goods.

    Mrs Chika Agu, a shopper from Awada, a suburb of Onitsha, said: “This is a very nice place. Life here is accommodating and the people are very hard working. They sell fresh fruits here and I like it. Prices are equally cheaper if you know how to bargain.

    A seller, Mr Nnamdi Okwudili, said: “Every day, we work hard to make sure that we come out with the best of our goods. We make early cultivation and the Lord God often blesses us with a bounty harvest so we are grateful to Him every day”.

    Other eye catching places are the Ochanja Main market, the Electrical market located on Owerri road; the Ogidi market, Ogidi; Ogbo tile, Nkpor where traders deal on all kinds of tiles. Ogbo Ogbu, at Head Bridge (by the River Niger) is where people go to buy drugs. At Mgbuka Obosi market, the traders sell motorcycles, tricycles and different vehicle spare parts.

     

  • What has name got to do with it?

    What has name got to do with it?

    To have this exclusive Gucci wallet, you will have to save money that is not in small budget to buy it. But if you get it, you won’t be disappointed because Gucci wallet designs are so good with the best materials from the best leather quality in the world. And imagine you will have one of the best wallets in the world. How does it feel? Exciting right?” The Nation Shopping stumbled on this caption of a promo on the sale of a Gucci branded wallet.

    For this particular brand of wallet, some would not hesitate to buy it no matter the price. Why would anyone spend so much? It is the brand and quality of the product. For some designer freaks, the brand name of an item determines its quality.

    Many social events always begin with the red carpet and people endeavour to look their best to walk the red carpet, knowing that it puts them on the spotlight.

    There, designer labels reign supreme. Many are proud to state that they are wearing a Gucci pair of glasses, a Prada bag, a Dolce and Gabbana shirt, Luis Vuitton shoes, and the list goes on. Some go to any length to obtain these famous designer items. Many online stores, such as Dress for Less and Amazon, always ensure they have them in stock.

    If you open such sites, they will not delay in showing you that they have suitable designer clothes for men, women and children. They will not just stop there. They go on to list some of the designers in question. Some highly rated brands include: Armani, Prada, Dolce&Gabbana, Fendi, Gucci, Givenchy, Pierre Cardin, Nike, DKNY, Versace, Hawks and Curtis, Calvin Klein, Luis Vuitton, Alexander McQueen, Burberry, Chloe, Christian Dior, Thierry Hermes, Hugo Boss, Jean Paul Gaultier and Christian Dior, among others.

    Several malls such as the Ikeja City Mall, The Palms, Mega Plaza and City Mall, Onikan stock designer label clothes and accessories for everyone. Some shops on Allen Avenue and Opebi, Ikeja also have them. You can also ask your favourite store to help you get them while sourcing for their goods.

    At various shopping malls, some stores are proud to sell clothes with these designer labels.

    Many of those who spoke to The Nation Shopping acknowledged that a designer label on one’s outfit boosts the person’s image. However, some would not be bothered. For this group, what matters is for the attire to fit perfectly.

    Ms Tonia Osagie, a business woman, said: “Designer wears are good. They give you prestige. To tell you the truth, if I have to go without food to save up for a designer outfit, I will certainly do so.”

    Donning a Prada skirt and a Marks and Spencer blouse, she said: “When I was an undergraduate at the University of Calabar, I did not have much money to purchase them because they were more expensive than a student of my calibre could afford. But do you know what my friends and I used to do? We would come all the way to Yaba to buy them at the second hand clothing section. Though Yaba Market has disintegrated now, it used to be a great place to shop for such items. We had customers who always prepared for our coming. So, they would select the good designer clothes and bags in their stock and we would choose from them.

    “Besides, the truth about designer labels is that people know they are worth a great deal so they rate you high and respect you. I actually went into the business of importing clothes, especially those from famous designers, because, like me, those who know their worth will always buy.”

    The Nation Shopping met Mr Raymond Ugoeze at the Nike shop at The Palms Mall, Lekki during a discount sale. He said: “I always look out for sales like this because it means the price will come down. Actually, I had always been indifferent to labels but a friend of mine, Paul, convinced me on how good it feels to wear them. I, particularly, observed that if you are with those people you could call ‘society people’, it matters. In fact, my eyes opened to the importance people attach to them when I was privileged to attend the Hip-hop-World Awards in 2008 at Planet One. It was amazing how people flaunted designer outfits on the red carpet. There, people took pride in stating the various designers whose wears they wore. I also noticed many took delight in the fact that they were imported.”

    A public relations practitioner, Mrs Silo Bankole, declared: “I love designer bags. I cannot carry a bag that has no name.”

    And some brands have a way with their style. For instance, the promoters of Rolex would rather have you simply call it Rolex and not Rolex wristwatch. For them, the brand is synonymous with style and quality. Among their slogan is ‘we do not build watches, we make history’.

    On why people go for items by international brands, a designer wristwatch collector, Mr Adamson Dike, noted: “Generally, the old adage, you get what you pay for is true. You pay for the brand name, but you also pay for the quality that particular company has worked so hard to attain, to earn writing that amount on the price tag.”

    The brand names have stood the test of time, distinguished themselves and outlived even their founders. They did not only carve a niche for themselves, but they continue imputing different flavours that keep them fresh and constantly endear them to shoppers.

    House of Gucci, a luxury Italian fashion and leather goods house, was founded in 1921 and has gone through various phases after the death of its founder, Guccio Gucci. It is the biggest-selling Italian brand with about 278 directly operated stores worldwide and it wholesales its products through franchisees and upscale department stores. Gucci distinguished itself as one of the world’s most successful manufacturers of high-end leather goods, clothing, and other fashion products. As an immigrant in Paris and London, working in exclusive hotels, young Guccio Gucci (1881–1953) was impressed with the luxury luggage he saw sophisticated guests bring with them. He created works with perfect finishing that would suit such sophisticated people. The Gucci brand may be found in luggage, handbags, sunglasses, as well as in perfumes.

    Gabrielle Coco Chanel (1883-1971) created feminine fashion that provided the feeling of luxury and combined traditional women’s clothing with styles, fabrics, and articles of clothing used by men. She felt comfortable wearing sports jackets and men’s ties in casual settings. Her fashion revolution liberated women to express their femininity with elegance and grace. Chanel’s logo is seen on perfumes, purses, shoes and jewellery.

    Prada was founded by Mario Prada and his brother in 1913 when they opened a luxurious boutique in Milan. The shop included imported silver, Austrian crystal, and exquisite leather handbags and luggage. Its tradition of high-quality distinctive goods continues today.

    Gianni Versace (1946-1997) became interested in fashion working in his mother’s small dress shop. His first commercial success was the design of a line of clothes for Florentine Flowers in 1972. Versace continued a successful clothing design career in Milan. By 1978, he had become a design leader of women’s and men’s fashions.

    Jean-Paul Gaultier (1952) is a French fashion designer who never received formal design training. He started sending sketches to famous couture stylists, and Pierre Cardin hired him as an assistant in 1970. His first individual collection was released in 1976. By 1981, he was known for irreverent, provocative designs, and for using unconventional models in his exhibitions, such as old and fat women, or tattooed and pierced models.

    Born in 1939, Ralph Lauren is a designer of affordable casual dress. In 1967, he purchased the Polo label and launched a world-wide fashion empire that includes clothing lines for men and women. His business ventures have also diversified to include home decor.

    Giorgio Armani gained fame and success with his streamlined tailoring, imaginative designs and sophisticated choice of materials for many Hollywood personalities. Some of his alluring couture creations use animal prints, satin, velvet, and sparkling Swarovski crystals which shimmer with every movement of the body.

    Tommy Hilfiger (1951- ) struggled when he started his business selling jeans and sportswear. The Hilfiger brand now is licensed for an extensive collection of men’s and women’s wear, children’s wear, footwears, eyeglasses, fragrances, and home furnishings.

    Domenico Dolce (1958- ) and Stefano Gabbana (1962- ) met while working as assistants in a studio in Milan. In 1985, they took part in a fashion show featuring “New Talent”, and the following year, they presented their first independent women’s ready-to-wear show. Dolce and Gabbana have expanded their line to include menswear and fragrances in shops across the world. D&G designs feature richly coloured fabrics, outrageous Mediterranean style, extravagantly embroidered coats, gangster boss pinstripe suits, and underwear-as-outerwear.

    Yves Saint Laurent (1936-2008) became notable for introducing trousers as business attire for women. He opened his Paris fashion house in 1961, featuring knitted turtlenecks, thigh-length boots and women’s broad-shouldered trouser suits. The Yves St. Laurent logo is synonymous with high fashion and it is featured on eyeglasses, purses, perfumes, shoes, and cosmetics.