The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • ‘Disruptive innovation… future of public relation’

    The Chairman and Lead Consultant of TPT International, Mr Adetokunbo Modupe, has explained that disruptive innovation is the critical life support that will define the future of Public Relations (PR) practice in Nigeria.

    Modupe,who spoke on the theme: Digital disruption and the future of public relations practice, at the 2019 edition of Brandcommfest in Onikan, Lagos, explained that disruptive innovation is like a virus which  gradually develops but eventually will redefine ways of doing things.

    ”An example is how the internet as a disruptive innovation has caused the remodelling of the book selling industry. All the big book selling chains market share have been swallowed by Amazon because even without having to own brick and mortar stores, it can display its inventory.  In no distant time, the future would be service driven and no one will own anything. Material possession will have little significance in the global market”.

    This future of public relation practice, he noted, would be anchored on culture, concept and content.

    ”With the cultural adjustment and alignment, comes the challenge of idea generation. What will differentiate successful practitioners will definitely be how big and compelling your ideas are. If your agency is known for great ideas you will remain relevant” he said.

    Explaining that the substantial part of PR business is storytelling – creating content, managing content and leveraging content, Modupe stressed that the world has moved from traditional media to new media.

    “Until recent times, content consumption was predictably from established media platforms. But not anymore as the number of smart phone users may equal the number of publishers. What will determine who and how your content is received is the content itself, he said.

    The event also featured a panel discussion of seasoned practitioners such as Uche Ajene, Managing Consultant, Quadrant MSL; AmaechiOkobi, Group Head, Corporate Communication, Access Bank and BolajiOkusaga, Managing Director, Precise Communication.

    Others include Ayeni Adekunle, Founder, BHM; Adebola Wiliams, CEO, Red Media and O’tegaOgra, Group Head, Corporate Communications, BUA Group.

    The panellist submitted that strategic innovation holds the key to the future of PR and marketing communication industry in Nigeria and enjoined practitioners to brazen up for the challenges of the ever changing world.

  •  ‘Prioritise consumers’ needs,’ QSR operators told

    Food experts have advised owners of local fast food brands in the country to focus on the trend in consumers’ needs for the sustainability of their businesses.

    This was the fulcrum of a communiqué issued at the end of the first Food Entrepreneurs Round-table Summit organised by a food consulting firm, Food Doctors of Nigeria Limited (FDNL).

    The Chief Executive Officer, FDNL, Joseph Awesu, explained  that in recent times, the  fast foods business also known as Quick Service Restaurant(QSR), was facing tough  competition, while foreign brands operating alongside these local brands are excelling in the business.

    This, he said, necessitated the summit, aimed at ascertaining the challenges confronting the local brands and proffer workable solutions for them to remain in business.

    “We discovered that our local QSR brands are going out of business while foreign ones coming into Nigeria are doing well.  The fast food industry is currently experiencing a tough competition that only strategic and innovative QSR operator can survive.  Some chains that are perceived to be closing up are actually undergoing a cycle having experienced their climax at an early age.”

    The food experts  stated that consumers satisfaction, feedback resolution, lack of required skills and understanding of the business environment by either the owners or  management of a QSR chain,  timeliness, ease of ordering and quality of menu are some of the major challenges facing the business.

    The communiqué highlighted that franchise of the QSR chain could pose a threat to the sustainability of the business if not well planned and managed, adding that the ease of registration and visitation to NAFDAC Office has remained difficult challenges.

    It further pointed out that most fast food outlets are always paraded by various NAFDAC consultants thereby hindering the free flow of the business.

    Noting that the country’s population of over 200 million people, its young workfoce and income are potential factors for QSR business to strive on, the food experts resolved that there was need  for local brands to invest in their businesses, explore all marketing strategies necessary to sustain the business, staff motivation  and training of QSR operators. The summit, which held in Lagos recently, had in attendance, Managing Director of Nugata Consult, Jane Omojokun; Food Safety Auditor, O. Egbewole; Internet Marketing Expert,   Akinwole Olutola; representatives of NAFDAC and Chief Executive Officer Eat n Go,  Pat McMicheal, among others.

     

  • Frooty Happy Hour excites consumers

    The Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita has received commendation from consumers.

    The health drink, which comes in a tetra pack of 100ml, is available in three variants of orange, pineapple and Red berries and sells  for N20, making it the most affordable fruit drink in the market at the moment.

    According to consumers, the brand offers natural fruity benefits.  A consumer, Daniel Elijah, noted that  the Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is uniquely refreshing, has great taste and affordable.

    “Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita comes in my preferred fruity variant of Red Berries and is ideal for frequent shots of great tasting refreshment throughout the day. It is very affordable and its 100ml size ensures that I can take several packs along with me to the office to ensure optimal value addition in terms of quality refreshment from my beverage.

    In the same vein, Joseph Eteng, who runs a thriving graphic design outfit in Calabar, commended the fruit drink.  He said “I have since taken to Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita because it resonates with my lifestyle and is a clear favorite for its natural fruity benefits as well as refreshing goodness. Its handy size means I can have it for  refreshment  during and after a hectic day’s  schedule.

    Speaking about the product and the positive feedback from consumers, Marketing Director of CHI Limited, Mr Probal Bhattacharya, said the response from consumers was a validation of the  brand’s  avowed commitment  to being innovative and price strategic in the fruit beverage space. He added that at a price point of N20, Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is the most affordable value for money offering for a healthy refreshment  drink in the market.

    “We are driven relentlessly by a desire to refresh the Nigerian consumer in a way that resonates with their evolving lifestyle of healthy living and quest for great tasting refreshment. Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is a result of such quest, and we are pleased that consumers love it,”he said.

     

  • Abule Egba gets ultra modern cinema centre

    Chief Executive Officer of Micro Media Group Mrs. Shileola Ibironke of the newly inaugurated Heritage Mall, Abule Egba, Lagos has said the country was yet to fully tap into Cinema business.

    Addressing reporters at the commissioning, she said Nigeria can actually boost its revenue base, if investor were encouraged. She said the mall would provide different services for those watching films and shopping for their home needs.

    She said: “Heritage mall is actually and entertainment centre, comprising shopping and cinemas. We have space for artistes to come to perform, producers who are interested in showcasing new talents.”

    Shileola said Heritage Mall, Abule Egba was sited there because of the need to make residents watch good cinemas instead of travelling to highbrow areas.

    Read Also: It’s time to bring back Cinema culture- Oga Bello

    “So, we intend to open up this community, particularly as we observe that cinemas are mostly concentrated in highbrow areas.

    “It is going to open employment opportunities for the youth. Those who are roaming the street doing nothing will do something meaningful for themselves.

    “It will accommodate people with skills and those who do not have the expertise but could be deployed to activities that would enhance their lives.

    “The Alimosho Local Government Area is obviously lacking in terms of Cinemas where people can find time to relax for the weekend.

    ‘’Most of these people now go to high brow areas before they can actually watch good films.”

  • Goldberg’s Ariya Repete talent hunt begins in June

    To mark the World Cultural Day, Goldberg Larger beer from the stables of Nigerian Breweries, has unveiled the 2019 edition of its Ariya Repete talent hunt competition for indigenous Yoruba music.

    The competition, which will have “The Fusion” as its theme is structured to reach a wider coverage as it will feature a new category- Afro pop and be televised for the first time.

    The regional auditions will kick-off on June 11 in eight cities in the southwest.  The selected talents will head to Lagos for mentorship sessions by some of the respected acts in their genres before returning to the contest to compete at the quarter finals, starting on July 5.

    The Semi-Final will be hosted on July 12,  while the grand finale is slated for July 19.

    Speaking at a roundtable discussion at the Nigeria Breweries Headquarters, Lagos, Senior Brand Manager Goldberg and Life Lager  beer, Maria Shadeko, said Ariye Repete was a platform to showcase and celebrate the South-Western Nigeria.

    “Ariya Repete is a very special platform that allows us to showcase and celebrate the very best talents in the South-Western Nigeria. Over the years, we have been able to continually delight our consumers with this initative as well as provide unforgettable memories for winners of past editions.

    “This year., we are taking it further by not only increasing the prize money, but adding an all-new category. The theme for this year’s competition is “The fusion” and in the light of this, we are looking for the next big artiste, who will dominate the Nigerian music scene. We applaud the innovative and inspiring fusion of traditional Yoruba music with contemporary music,”she said.

    The discussion featured some veterans in traditional genres of Yoruba music as well as some new generation artistes whose music have been influenced by the Yoruba culture.

     

  • How protests stopped female shoppers’ harassment

    Over the years, female shoppers have continued to experience one form of harassment or the other at market places from male traders, with some of them trying to molest, touch them inappropriately, make vulgar comments and hurl insults at them. It has been a common practice at most local markets.

    Alhough these harrassments are not limited to females alone, but they are said to be the worst hit.

    To many female shoppers, the market has suddenly been made a terrifying place to be, as their experiences have left them traumatised both psychologically and emotionally.

    Narrating her ordeal at Oshodi market, a student of Lagos State University, Blessing Okon,  said: “I went to Yaba to get some clothes and suddenly one trader just grabbed my breast. I shouted at him, but he started making derogatory comments at me. I felt so bad that day.”

    Another victim, Onyinyechi Achor, said:“I was walking along Yaba market, just around that busy roundabout, two guys came to where I was, displaying their wears before me.  I walked faster just to get off from them, but they kept following me with their hands touching several parts of my body. I shouted at them, but it was fruitless. As I made a move to run away from them, an incoming vehicle almost knocked me down, but thank God the driver was able to hold the car to a stop.”

    Miss Achor’s experience paled when compared to that of Maureen Oha, who visited Balogun market a few months ago and had an unpleasant ecounter with some male traders. “I was confronted by men, who wanted to force me to buy the wares they were hawking around. One of them held me so tightly, as I tried harder to free myself from his grip. I fell off the small stair case leading to the entrance of the shop behind me. Rather than give me a helping hand, they uttered vulgar comments at me as they started laughing.

    “I struggled to stand up, feeling severe pains on my back. I was unable to buy what I came for and went back home devastated,” said  Oha, a Lagos State University student.

    These despicable acts by male traders have not gone uncomdemned by notable Nigerians and non governmental organisations (NGOs). One of such organisations is Market March, a group led by an Art Designer,  Damilola Marcus, which not long ago, took to  the streets of Yaba market to protest against sexual harassment, groping and bullying of female shoppers.

    Dressed in yellow shirts, they carried placards with inscriptions such as “stop touching us” and “no be by force to buy”, among others, to condemn female shoppers’ harrassment by male traders.

    The protest, however, spurred anger from the male traders, who rained insults and threw water sachets at them, saying:“We must touch”.

    But Marcus, who initiated the protest, explained that it was time the society put an end to these unacceptable practices at market places. “It is an initiative to bring an end to sexual harassment and bullying in market places.  It is a great evil, which we have to stop and this must change. We want men to desist from this act and make women feel safe in market places,” she said.

    Ms Marcus said she planned on carrying out the protest in other markets across the state, hoping that with such public awareness on the issue, stringent policies would be put in place to protect women from sexual harassment and bullying in market places.

    Motivated by the success the protest achieved ,it was replicated at Ogbete Market in Enugu recently,where protesters also enlightened the traders on laws against sexual harassment.

    A recent visit to Yaba market to observe if the campaign had made some impacts, The Nation noticed that the protest has curbed, to some extent, the notorious practice of female harassments, which the market is reputed for.

    Navigating varios sections of the market, it was noticed that some male traders tried to keep a reasonable distance from female shoppers while tying to persuade them to patronise their wares.  Although, there was a tolerable level of compliance,  some market men  men agreed that it may be difficult to eradicate the menace among them. They added that while some level of reduction in the menace can be achieved, it can be further brought to its bearest minimum if offenders are arrested and prosecuted.

    But there are still among them, who believe that touching and harrassing females are the best marketing strategies to employ.  One of them is Mr Martins. Although, he claimed to have turned a new leaf, harrassing women, he said, remained the best way to seek their attention to patronise one’s wares. He, however, said since turning a new leaf, he has realised that women like their freedom in making their choice anytime they go shopping. “I used to drag girls and tried to intimidate them because it was a normal thing in this market before now and most of us use force to sell our wares.  But since that protest was held, I have stopped and realised that shoppers will want to patronise me if l don’t exhibit those vile tendencies,” he said.

     

  • Dettol launches hand wash site at Mushin market

    Traders at Ojuwoye market, Mushin, now has a new hand washing site, courtesy of Reckitt Benckiser, manufacturers of Dettol antiseptic.

    The inuaguration of the site, the company said, was part of activities to mark the World Hand Hygiene Day.  It was inuagurated by Dettol’s brand ambassador, Funke Akindele-Bello and was to educate marketers on hygiene and healthy living.

    Marketers and buyers, who gathered in large number at the site, also received healthy tips on how they can impact on their wards the benefits of washing hands.  Also, Akindele-Bello showed them  the proper way to wash hands  as stipulated by  health professionals  in order to be clean and germ-free.

    Akindele called on the traders at the market to cultivate the habit of washing their hands thoroughly, especially since they touch the edible elements that go into homes and makeup what the family eventually eats.

    Also present at the launch was Alhaja Mufuliat A. Adebunmi, the Iya Oloja, Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye, who expressed her enthusiasm for the inuagurated site, saying it marked the beginning of a healthier community.

  • Master Bakers call on government to check flour price increase

    MEMBERS ofAssociation of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) have called on the Federal Government to check incessant price increase of wheat flour in the country. Flour millers, under the umbrella of Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, have just increased the price of 50kilogramme-bag of flour to between N11,500 to N15,000, depending on the variant and brand. There are four variants of wheat flour in the country and four principal millers. They are Honeywell, Dangote (Dangote flour), Flour Mills (Golden Penny flour) and Olam (Mama Gold).

    According to a statement by AMBCN’s National Secretary, Jude Okafor, he  said according to the Forex rate, the price of a 50kg flour should not be more than N8,500 but it is being sold at N10,500.

    “As partner in business, 90per cent of our members are heavily indebted and produced at a loss because they are not allowed to cut standards in order to break through” the statement reads.

    The association also noted that the latest increase will lead to closure of many bakeries, which will lead to unemployment.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Hollandia Evap 120g gains affinity with consumers

    The Hollandia Evaporated Milk 120g packet also referred to as Pere has has been commended by consumers.

    At N100, Pere has endeared itself to millions of consumers across Nigeria for its creamy taste and value.

    Across neighbourhood shops and departmental stores, the pack has become  popular as more consumers consider it a favourite whenever they desire a creamy addition to their cup of tea, coffee, or meals.

    Among consumers who spoke was Mr. Oluseyi Adeniyi, a Brand Consultant with MarketingPlus. He said Hollandia Evap is a household name for its product quality, affordability and satisfaction.

    “The pack is  innovative and offers a good on-shelf presentation and delivers fresh appeal in addition to its creamy goodness. The pack’s increasing popularity is driven by consumer trends and desire for convenient portion size, more personal choice and affordability,” he said.

    For Ezekiel Usman, a student of the University of Ibadan, Hollandia Evap is a creamy and highly nutritious milk. He noted that as students, it was imperative to settle for value adding products that are pocket friendly, and the new “Pere” pack fits the bill for his daily use.

    “Each day, I always take a hot cup of coffee or a bowl of cerealcomplemented with Hollandia Evap because of its freshness, creamy goodness and vital nourishment. Now with the N100 “Pere” pack, I am glad I still get the same great taste, nutrition and satisfaction at an affordable price,” he added.

    Chi Limited’s Managing Director, Mr. Roy Deepanjan, expressed delight on the feedback received so far from consumers. He stressed that the Hollandia Evap 120g “Pere” pack size has captured consumer affection by being value maximising and innovative.

    “At the price point of N100, we were confident that the Hollandia Evap 120g “Pere” pack was good value for consumer spend when making purchasing decisions. The convenient portion size and affordability is driving affinity and growing popularity of the pack size amongst consumers desirous of wholesome nutritious milk,” he noted.

    The Hollandia Evaporated Milk 120g pack size joined the 190g and 60g pack sizes on the shelf, and is available in Departmental Stores, Markets and Neighbourhood kiosks across Nigeria.

     

     

     

  • Shopping malls threaten conventional shops

    Shopping malls are fast gaining ground in the retail sector. By the middle of last year, over $500 million (about N180 billion) was said to have been invested in shopping malls. Yet, there is room for more. What threats do this trend portend for the conventional retail outlets? JANE CHIJIOKE reports.

    In recent times, the retail  sector has witnessed huge developments. There has been a shift from traditional shops to malls which give shoppers exciting experiences.

    While more shopping malls are being built, some existing ones are expanding their outlets across the country.

    Malls are have changed the shopping culture and experience of shoppers, providing an all-in-one convenience for shopping.

    Before the emergence of malls, retail business was mostly carried out lock-up shops, open markets, small shopping centres, kiosks and others. Now, this has metamorphosed over tim!e as developers of shopping malls are leveraging on the increasing population, the changes in consumers lifestyles, advancement in technology to provide an environmentally-friendly experiences for consumers. As at last year,  Novare Real Estate Africa noted that it has  so fa  invested over $500m in the development of malls in Nigeria.

    It is estimated that an average Nigerian household spends as much as 80 percent of its income on consumables like food and beverages, clothing, shelter, home appliances, transportation and education among others.

    Shoppers spoken to by this reporter remarked that the ability for these malls to meet their needs using different marketing strategies that appeal to them signpost shopping malls as the future for market related activities.

    “I have grown this habit of shopping in malls. I buy at lesser prices and I enjoy the ease and comfort unlike when I patronise open markets. Even the street shops around my house I seldom buy from them,” said a shopper at The City Mall, Onikan, Lagos, Mrs Grace Adeola.

    In the evening, shopping activities at various malls are always at its peak, while weekends dominate more shopping and leisure hours for shoppers.

    The pleasant ambience of shopping malls, assortments of stores, comparative economic gains, and sales promotions, quality of product, cleanliness, leisure and entertainment are the traffic-causing factors of shopping malls which the traditional markets lack.

    According to a retail business analyst, Benson Adegoke, the Shopping malls could be the future of retail business in the country.

    “The spate of urbanisation of consumers which is affecting their lifestyles is causing a retail revolution. This has also increased the spending habit of consumers. As the retail market is evolving, it poses a threat to small businesses as consumers are being lured to better services that align with their taste”.

    The Chief Executive Officer, Ibukun Efuntayo and Co, Managers of the Lagos City Mall, Emmanuel Efuntayo, once noted that the rise in shopping malls has a positive impact on investors to the Nigerian economy. He attributed the rise to change in lifestyle of consumers as they are more comfortable to shop in a convivial environment.

    Are shopping malls a threat to local shops? 

    Despite the rise, the small scale retail trades still hold a large chunk of the Nigerian economy activities,  as such they need access to market for expansion.  For some of them, the shopping malls are strategic locations they can market their products but are unable to access it.

    At the third Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) exhibition held recently in Lagos, operators in  the Small and Medium Enteprise lamented their inability to have their products on the shelves of big shopping malls in the country. According to them, the Shopping malls have become the one-stop shop for consumers.

    At various markets visited, operators expressed divergent views on the impact of shopping malls to their business prospects.

    A boutique operator at Surulere, Joseph, expressed fears of decline in profit of his business. He said with the existence of the large malls, customers are lured to patronise big malls than street shops.

    “The size, comfort and product variants of these malls are gradually appealing to shoppers. Some of them believe they can only get quality there and that in the long run would affect my business. Presently it takes an extra effort to convince my customers that I sell quality wears and this is affecting my daily sales”.

    A supervisor at a mini supermarket in Ajao Estate   said: “I can sincerely tell you that patronage has decreased. Even the usually weekend rush we experience here is on the decline.”

    “We have reduced our prices on our products so as to attract more customers. Most of these big malls liaise with farmers, companies and wholesalers directly and that is why they sell at lower prices. But for us it is not so.  The existence of these malls have deepened competition so we need to strategise to stay in business” noted Joy, a sales attendant at a street supermarket in Maryland.

    For Mrs Anita Daniels who runs a Boutique at  Oshodi said there is need for the government to assist small retailers by regulating the numbers of shopping malls.

    “For now the proximity of shopping malls is still a bit farther to  some consumers who live miles away from them.  So it is easier for them to just make necessary shopping at their neighbourhood.  But the way the malls are growing, it will greatly affect the sustainability of our businesses.

    “We don’t have money to build or rent a space in malls. The government should please assist us by regulating the number of these shopping malls; we are also contributing to the economic growth”.

    Toyin a supermarket sale attendant in Yaba is optimistic that the Shopping malls and traditional markets will continue to coexist as they both have consumers patronising their products.