Category: Shopping

Teddy bears and toys have always been a hit with kids. Almost everyone owned a teddy bear at some point in their childhood; some adults even buy for themselves and not for their kids alone, because of the comfort it brings to the owner. An array of toys and teddy bears dominate the child care market as part of child development. ESTHER MOHAMMED writes.

Toys are associated with children and pets because they love to play and a toy is a good object to play with.

As parents, you can make out time to shop for toys and teddy bears for your kids. They come in a number of cute designs and styles, sizes and shapes so you can buy your child’s taste.

Many children clothiers stock exotic toys and teddy bears in their stores just to entice the kids to spend time in their stores. The plan is to have them play with the toys while their parents shop for them but they also end up buying both toys and clothes. They are displayed in very attractive packages that the kids cannot resist. Fortunately, the toys available today are modeled to meet the educational, entertainment and developmental needs of children.

So, the next time you think of buying a gift for your daughter, son, sister, or wife, make sure you keep these cute cuddly toys in mind.

The teddy bear is a stuffed toy bear. They are usually stuffed with soft, white cotton and have smooth and soft fur. It is an enduring form of a stuffed animal in many countries. Playing with toys and teddy bears is often thought to be an enjoyable means of training the young for life in human society and often serving the purpose of entertaining kids.

In recent times, some teddy bears have become collector’s items. Now teddy bears come in various styles and people can dress them up in many different articles of clothing. Teddy bears are also among the most popular gifts to buy for children and significant others on Valentine’s Day, birthdays, Christmas and other holidays.

Different materials are used to make toys enjoyable and cuddly to both young and old. Many items are designed to serve as toys, but goods produced for other purposes can also be used. For instance, a small child may pick up a household item and “fly” it through the air as to pretend that it is an airplane.

What do kids and teddy bears have in common? They are great lovers of teddy bears. Kids love teddy bears because they are sweet, soft, tender and easy to hug. People treat teddies as if they are alive and have feelings. It is the same as being attached to people they love.

Give a teddy bear to a sick child in the hospital, and you will see what the expression on the child’s face will look like. Teddy bears help bring smiles and a little comfort to a hospitalised child. Teddy bears are often portrayed as cuddly, sweet, and non-scary, but the main thing is it is a stuffed toy, and gives comfort to the child. They feel like the bear will protect them, and so they go to bed with their teddies beside them. Teddy bears are quite adorable.

There are many kids and adults who go to bed with teddy bears and dolls. It seems they need those toys to go off to dreamland.

A dealer on toys, Mrs Jummy Okebola said: “I personally feel that toys are important for kids and are essential to help with their learning and growing process. But for some reasons, kids have always found their teddy bears to be the most loving. They care for these toys and think of them as one of their own. Children often tend to treat these toys as brothers and sisters. They think of these toys as their buddies in their lives and take them along where ever they go”.

Some kids even go as far as buying clothes and accessories for their teddy bears and also give them pet names. When parents throw parties for their children, toys are the items most bought. For many kids, the toys are instruments of celebration. In this way, they become part of the child’s life and upbringing.

Most children would not consider these toys as just something to play with. They cherish the company of their teddy bear and share love, sometimes tears, happiness and even fight with them sometimes. These toys give children a chance to unwind and speak to someone when they are alone.

Children tend to relate to them and bond with them when they are not with their friends and parents. Kids tend to spend a lot of time with these toys. They would eat, play and even sleep with them.

However, more people prefer toys to teddy bears. While some parents may not buy teddy bears for their children, they wouldn’t trade developmental toys for anything in the world.

To find modern art that suits your taste, you must adhere to simple guidelines before making your purchase, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN

Whether for the home or office, artworks are not merely for decoration. They are an investment too.

To buy an artwork you must understand major modern art movements so as to determine what type of artwork to buy.

Recently Art House Contemporary Limited auctioned some major artworks, in Lagos.

They are:-

The hunt by Jacob Jari, which was sold for N650,000; Turbaned by Sam Ebhohon, N450,000; Mysteryman by Kolade Oshinowo, N2million; The lost coin by Sangotoye Olayinka, N100,000.

An art administrator, Princess Tessy Iyase-Odozi is the CEO of Green House Art Gallery. She said the art work has gone beyond artistic heritage and aesthetics; they should touch life.

“Art, she said is a spirit and spiritual, after some time it becomes innate and that is why we talk of inspiration and expression. Artworks reflect the artist and the buyer therefore a work of art in your home is the first and last thing you would see and I fell such a thing should be able to bring joy and enact beauty.”

The major movements are Impressionism, Fauvism, Expressionism, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, Cubism, Surrealism, Abstract Art, Pop Art and Op Art.

Make up your mind on the movements you like best. Each modern art movement includes many well-known artists. For example, Impressionism includes Monet, Fauvism includes Matisse, Art Nouveau has Picasso and Surrealism includes Dali.

The ability to decide on which movement most interests you will help narrow down your choices of artwork to buy. You could also check a local art gallery in your neighbourhood .

Do not forget to choose well-known modern artists’ work. Original pieces from artists such as Matisse or Dali will only come up at auction, occasionally, for a huge amount.

Save some money by buying lesser-known modern artists’ work. It is less expensive and easier to find than the masters, such as Monet or Picasso.

Buy the art that you like; when buying modern art, choose based on your personal tastes and not by the popularity of the artist. This helps ensure that you will continue to love the piece for years to come.

Deal with only reputable art dealers. If you are planning to spend a lot of money, make sure the art dealer has a good reputation. Doing so will ensure that you are not ripped-off.

Prior to the Independence Day, a  fair titled ‘Shopaholic Sunday’ was held at Banilux event centre, Yaba, Lagos to provide a platform for workaholics who do not have the time to go shopping during the week and  Saturdays when most prefer to rest after a busy week. TONIA’DIYAN reports.

It was a lively atmosphere with people, music, different kinds of costumes and a platform for communication, friendship, good relationship and more. Shoppers are assumed to be more relaxed and as such have more time for the outdoor on Sundays

The event was scheduled last Sunday to make it convenient for workers to shop, celebrate on Independence Day and still have time to prepare for the week ahead. The exhibition was properly organised with enough awareness. It was colourful and accommodated all kinds of items sold at discounted rates.

Most of the exhibitors do not own shops where they stay and sell but they have their contact addresses where they can be met. Some of them are mobile and always ready to meet you at your door step.

The organiser of the exhibition, Mr Ometan Patrick Efetobore, told the Nation Shopping that most of the items on display were handmade to depict the creativity of individuals or a group of persons.

“Items displayed here are unique in their different styles and cannot be commonly found anywhere because they are mainly handmade. They are ideas of individuals in different forms. We have the fashion designers, perfume makers, cake bakers, accessories makers, the barbeque sellers, nkwobi sellers, hand craft of all kinds.

“There is something for every pocket, every shopper is sure to go home with their choices of items because of the affordability. By next month, we will be organising another exhibition but in a different venue thus people who do not leave around here or who couldn’t make it here would find time to be there. We promise it is going to be better than what you have seen here today. Going back to our drawing board, we would make amendments and welcome suggestions come November”, he said.

An exhibitor, Miss Deborah Faleyimu, who is the creative director of Cake Treat at Ikeja, displayed a variety of cakes costing from N200 to N3,500. The flavours available were strawberry, vanilla, banana and lemon.

“Virtually every one that has been here today has tasted my cake. That is why I made small ones of N200 for affordability. I enjoyed sales here; I have sold all the cakes I came with. Shoppers eat something while walking round to buy other things. It keeps them on the move. It is, indeed, a successful fair and I am glad I am a part of it.”

Chicks and Co, an indoor boutique in Surulere, was at the event to showcase their latest clothes, bags and shoes. They also left fulfilled. The owner of the boutique, Mrs Morenike Olawale, said: “I have made lots of contacts more than I imagined. I have also sold a couple of my items. It’s been a wonderful fair and I am happy I didn’t refuse the offer to be here.”

Kayn Photography is a mobile outfit that does baby pictures, school year book portraits, family and pet portraits, individual partraits, models’ portfolio\glamour shots, wedding album, video shoot and production. They can be anywhere to render their services. Its manager, Mr Kelvin Monye said he got some customers at the exhibition who want him to be at their ceremonies at one time or the other. “I am fulfilled and happy. It is not a time wasted after all. I have achieved more than enough for one day.”

A shopper, Mrs Helen Odolor, said: “the fair is an opportunity for shoppers’ and exhibitors to meet and cement a relationship.

“I have been able to cement some relationships with some item owners here and I will be doing business with them soon. I have also picked few items I love. But most importantly, the organisers have succeeded in putting smiles on our faces as shoppers’ and on the faces of the exhibitors.”

A parent, Mrs Aina Shoyele, who was at the exhibition with her kids, said she also found some school items, which she bought at more affordable prices. “These items are cheaper here compared to the stores. I decided to buy my kids school bags, shoes and lunch packs instead of buying other things for myself, it is better and more economical, I love the exhibition and I am fulfilled.”

Are you looking for a first rate used car and you don’t have enough money? The showrooms are your best bet. Many of them dot Lagos, write TONIA ‘DIYAN and AZZAN OLAJUMOKE.

There is a large thriving market of used cars in Lagos.

Prices of the same vehicle sometimes vary widely from one dealer to the other. What one pays for will depend on several factors including the vehicle’s features, its mechanical condition, age or motivation of the seller among other factors.

Some people would display their cars for sale in open spaces such as car parks, on the streets and even in front of their residences. Most times there is a simple sign such as ‘Buy me’ or ’for sale’ with a telephone number to indicate that the car is about to be sold so that interested buyers can make enquiries.

Depending on your needs, cars can be found for sale in just about every place. Individuals sell their cars to meet an urgent need.

Virtually all car brands can be bought and sold but the overwhelming majority of them are used cars. The most popular brands of used cars are; Toyota, Honda and Volkswagen, Mercedes Benz, Peugeot, BMW and several others. Used cars can be bought at lower and affordable prices compared to brand new cars.

A used 2001 Honda Civic car is sold for N750,000; 1999 Toyota Previa is sold for N850,000; 1999 Mazda Protégé N980,000; 1998 Ford Ranger XLT N1,100,000; 2004 Toyota Highlander N1,350,000; 2008 Nissan Rogue SE N1,800,000; 2000 Toyota Sequoia LTD N3,000,000; 2011 Toyota Sequoia N4,000,000; 1986 Honda Accord N270,000; 1993 Honda Civic hatchback is sold for N300,000, 1996 Suzuki Baleno N300,000; 2004 Skoda Octavia N350,000; 1989 BMW 3 series goes for N350,000; 1996 Rover 827 Si is sold for N370,000; 1999 Nissan Altima N370,000; 1996 Honda Accord N380,000; 1996 Nissan Quest N400,000.

Major car dealers who sell brand new cars also stock used cars. They are the likes of; Lanre Shittu cars, Porshe car dealer at Victoria Island Lagos, Motorways, SCOA cars, among others.

People have different choices when it comes to cars, some like jeeps, and others prefer sporty cars which are usually small and portable in size. It is advisable for any body who wants to buy a car to weigh his/her options by visiting different car dealers, compare prices and be able to pick the most reasonable price at the end of the day.

Nigeria is filled with car lovers who import and use different types of expensive cars, as long as they can afford it. The large size of the Nigerian used car market has made it possible to select from an assortment of cars and Jeeps (not just the Peugeots as was the case in the 1980s). Most frequently, the latest European and Japanese cars and Jeeps enter the Nigerian market a few months after they are released.

Do your homework before parting with your hard earned money; whether you are buying a brand new car or a used car. If you are not comfortable with a particular dealer, try another one; there are several of them. Do not be quick to take the first offer given to you.

Knowing when to buy a car is important, the end of the month is a suitable time. You may want a Porsche, a compact car, Sedan, SUV, van, or truck.

However, knowing the class of car and your price point will help you focus.

You should be able to choose between a manual and an automatic transmission. Manual transmissions tend to be a little less expensive. Consider buying a car with enough space if you intend using it to carry load.

According to Philip Reed, a consumer advice editor and a co-author of Strategies for Smart Car buyers “the price of a car should not be more than 20 per cent of your take-home pay and the end of the month is always a good time to car shop because dealers are anxious to meet their quotas. In the beginning of November, cars are often discounted because dealers want to get them off for the new batch to be sold during the holidays”

Companies traditionally release next year’s models in late August and early September. It is important to see new features, updated models, and sizes of cars, and then compare them to existing ones. Perhaps the new features are not worth the extra money for the next year’s model.

The goods, are patronised mostly by people returning from their places of work . At this time, they would be able to calm down and buy whatever they need depending on how much they have.

It is also patronised by people who do not like coming out during the sun because of its harsh rays and also because of its relative affordability. Some people, due to the tender nature of their skin, do not come out in the noon time.

The security of the market is tight as there are different security personnel assigned to guide the bus stop. The interesting thing about shopping is when you get a commodity which is worth your money, and this is one of the advantages this market will offer you.

For example, you can buy a compact disk for as cheap as N100, and enjoy it. You can purchase tomatoes cheaper than the normal market price depending on your bargaining power. Obviously, the seller will call a higher price, and then it is left to you to bring it down.

There is no age restriction in this market. Both the young and old are seen purchasing different items they need. There is no class division in this market as expected, it is Just like a normal market, you purchase what best suites your budget.

As expected, the market is very noisy; the noise is coming both from the sellers, buyers and cars that are plying the road. The goods are displayed on thick nylons spread on the floor or tables.

The goods being sold in this market include cooked foods, bread, raw foodstuff, shoes, bag, male accessory, female accessory, clothes; both new and fairly used, fruits amongst many others and they are all displayed neatly. The traders are very nice.

According to a banker, Mrs Aduke Olaseni, “I barely have time during the day to do my shopping because of the nature of my job. So I wait till night time, which is most convenient. I won’t say because of my job, I won’t cook for my family or wear new clothes.

“As you can see, this place is a blessing to people like me. I can tell you that for the past six months, I have not done my shopping anywhere else. I have come today to buy some foodstuffs,that I may cook for my family when I get home.”

According to another worker, Miss Omowumi Oguntuase, ‘It is easier for me to buy things here when I am coming back from work. Besides, the things here are relatively cheaper than that of the normal market’.

For a warm and welcoming home, sensual, classic curves will do. Curvy furniture are back, creating a lovely and artistic ambience, writes JANICE NKOLI IFEME.

People with taste are leaving the conventional, rectangular and square straight cut shapes for more curvy and sensual styles in their home and office fittings.

After more than a decade of understanding linear furnishing, some decorators are now switching to curves. Now, arcs are appearing in many places, from statement seating to sinuous tables, organically shaped kitchen cabinetry to consoles.

The many brand furniture stores around the metropolis display different styles in their showrooms to the admiration of shoppers and passersby.

A dealer who specialises in curved furniture, Mr Moses Eruchalu said: “They are not conventional. They are not things you see in every store. In many cases, we deliver them based on the taste of the customer. In as much as many love their artistic appeal, they may not go for them because they believe it is a bit on the high side. But it is not so. Just like antiques, they are strictly for those who love to stand out from the norm. We are happy dealing with this set of customers because they know they are getting value for their money”.

According to him, curves are more difficult to conceive and manufacture than sharp angles. In the past, they were seen more in antiques but now, it has been taken to a high art form of contemporary furniture.

According to a research from Oregon State University, People react more positively to, and prefer to socialise in spaces filled with curvy forms and shapes, as opposed to rectangles,

“Curvilinear forms create warmth,” noted Sibel Dazkir, a doctoral student in design and human environment, who conducted the study. “They are associated with organic forms found in nature. If you want your guests to feel more comfortable, use curved shapes in the room”, she added.

Seeing that most curved furniture are usually imported, which increases their cost in the shopping malls, some local furniture designers have taken it upon themselves to produce them and make them more affordable. Among such local designers is the Jakande –Okeafa Furniture Makers Association with stores located along Isolo, Jakande and Ikotun road. Another group is also waxing strong on the Ikeja axis of the Agege Motor Road. A local furniture specialist, Mr Gbenga Moronfolu, said: “Before, people thought that good furniture can only be imported but we have proved them wrong. Many people now come to us and we produce unique curved and straight furniture to their delight.”

Curved fittings come in different forms and sizes and would give a unique effect anywhere.

A lover of curvy design, Mr Barnabas Iwundu, displayed some curvy designs in his office and home. Pointing excitedly at his curved office furniture, he said: “It creates a comfortable environment and makes people feel welcome. What I love about this table is that it is a big impressive piece, but at the same time, the shape is very peaceful, warm and relaxed. Sometimes, design can be sharp and cold but this is not aggressive furniture”.

Mr Ahmed Sidki, whose works have gone on exhibition in different parts of the world said: “Curves are always more time consuming but worth it in the end”. He explained the technical challenges of producing his work: “the metal must be cut with absolute accuracy and the edges butted tightly, each meticulously welded to avoid distortion through heat expansion, then ground and sanded by hand. “The technical accomplishment may be dazzling, but it is the aesthetics that appeal to buyers”, he said.

In functional areas of the house, such as kitchen, curves could be easier to live with than straight-up-and-down furnishings. Besides, they give unique appeal. Curve is among the distinctive fittings you could keep in your home.

You could get a skilled local furniture maker to make styles that strive towards perfection, elegance, beauty and charm.

The scheme is to give your home a warm and welcoming feel with a classic and sophisticated look. If well picked, your style could be an inimitable creation that would stand the test of time and not go out of fashion; instead, it should become contemporary furniture classics.

Here are some classy designs to choose from.

Music chair

The music chair is a joy of modern design; you can create something useful and still be playful. Its curvaceous nature has a spark of ingenuity and the fact that it is really a couch and comes equipped with speakers, makes it more interesting. It is really for those with big ears.

Curved nest leather chair

This is a great example of a clever use of leather because it is made to look like a leave, seating in this chair gives you a feeling that you are hanging up a jungle tree.

Swedish bathtub

In a way, it is surprising that bathroom design has veered towards the clinical, this great bathtub design shows that there is room for more innovation, The pale wood gives it a very Swedish feel. The fact that it has curves adds to the warm feeling of a bathtub.

Curvy book shelf

This curvaceous book shelf works as a display cabinet.

Viva bar stool

This is a very seductive chair, it is very feminine just because it has a bottom part which looks like a female skirt, the silver edge at the foot is also enticing.

Bamboo chairs

Bamboo is an amazingly durable and strong material, which also grows quickly making it an easily renewable resource. Its inherent strength allows the spring a super-thin curvy profile and ensures a light weight chair. The sensuous curves shine with dense grain, while the material’s flexibility allows a gentle soothing rocking motion. An ergonomic design, the bamboo chair provides great comfort as well as modern classic style.

Curved bench

The curved bench set is durable and ideal for in and outdoor setting.

Jig saw

The jig saw glows and works very well in a restaurant environment.