The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Power Oil sensitises workers on heart health

    Tolaram Group, maker of power oil, has taken its health fitness promotion project to the group’s factories in the country to sensitise factory staff on ways to take care of the heart and maintain healthy calories body system.

    The project titled “Pay with Calories,” which is currently on-going, is a three-week nationwide tour that engaged over 4,000 members of staff in nine ultra modern factories.

    Speaking at the event, the Brand Manager, Miss Amisha Chawla, noted that the campaign was strategic as most the staff do not have enough time for exercise outside work hours hence, the need to bring the activity closer to them.

    “Beyond the physical exercise involved, which will see a lot of staff winning fantastic prices, they will also be enlightened on making the best meal choices towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle” she said.

    Also, the Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group, Mrs Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, at the visit to Insigna Print Ibeju-Lekki, said the sensitisation was needful to encourage every Nigerian to be mindful of their heart health by maintaining good body fitness and healthy consumption habits that reduce the risk of blood pressure and heart-related ailments.

    Some participants; Mr Adiogbemiga of Indomie Seasoning Plant and Mr Ugo Chiemela of Insignia Prints won sneakers after burning some amounts of calories.

     

  • Multichoice unveils Whatsapp self-service

    Multichioce Nigeria has launched a Whatsapp self- service that enables DStv subscribers to their subscription, fix error codes, make payment and rent Box Office movies.

    The Whatsapp  self-service guarantees easier usage, helps subscribers to communicate in a format that is more convenient.

    In a statement, it said the self-service allows DStv to respond to customers, thereby providing a reliable customer services.

    The Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe said the service is testament of Multichioce innovative ways of improving customers’ experience.

    Read also: MICHAEL JACKSON: Dstv to air controversial ‘Leaving Neverland’

    “We place our customers at the heart of everything we do and what this means is anticipating how to make their experience at our touch points hitch-free. This milestone is a proof that we are serious about seeking innovative ways to improve customer experience on a continuous basis”

    He said messaging apps are the solution to customer satisfaction and loyalty. Noting that Whatsapp has a wider reach of about  1.5 billion users in 180 countries, he said the service will create a 24-hour accessibility.

  • Online ready-made foods to the rescue

    Readymade online food services are becoming profitable ventures for investors in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) business, Jane Chijioke reports.

    To reduce the pressure of cooking in homes, she established an online food retailing service.

    Mrs Helen Onyeka Obasi founded Next Alternative Foods to make available homemade foods to customers who barely have time to prepare good meals.

    She ventured into the business in March, last year, providing various African dishes. Using the internet as a medium to reach her audience, her outdoor services have recorded huge profit.

    Within one year, she has been able to secure 85 percent customer bases within and outside her environ – Surulere.  She has also established a logistics firm which she leases to other food outlets.

    She said: “Online marketing has helped me in this business. I have been doing my business with ease.  I have become the next alternative for my clients who do not have time to prepare food at home or not having gas available when they want to eat, put them as ease from the stress of going to the market to get food stuffs and also providing quality homemade foods for worker at workplaces.’’

    Online already made foods services have become emerging markets for investors in the fast food business also know as Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). Hardly do they go unnoticed within the Lagos metropolis as dispatchers of these various online food retailing outlets are seen on high ways maneuvering traffic to deliver ordered foods.

    With the proliferation of online foods services, such as Foodstantly,  Gofood,  Angelous Kitchen, Sallyopy Fruit Delivery, Citychops,The Kitchen, among others, and also the already existed fast foods who are taking advantage of the digital space, emphasis is placed on quality, packaging, taste, and timely delivery to  build a sustained relationship  with consumers.

    They argued that the advancement in technology and the accessibility of the internet has made it possible for already made foods to strive on such platform. Also, the perception of Nigerians towards having made foods delivered to them is fast becoming the trend.

    Owners of many outlets visited said Nigerians were adapting to the culture of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner through online services.

    They affirmed that e-marketing has attracted more patronage to their brands using a low-cost outreach, noting that the food business is profitable.

    In 2014, the  Association of Fast Food and Confectioneries of Nigeria (AFFCON)  recorded over 800 QSR, generating about N200 billion yearly, with a workforce base of over 500,000.

    Also, in 2016, it noted that the food industry was worth over N1 trillion.

    Since its penetration into the market in the 1970s with Mr Biggs, owned by United Africa Company (UAC), QSR has grown providing ready meals of local and intercontinental taste to the wealthy and middle-income earners.  The increasing population provides a long-term potential to the business, hence, the quick turnaround for profit for investors.

    For Mrs Obasi, food business is profitable. “Lagos alone is a very big market. It is so populated and everybody needs to eat.  The number of fast foods and restaurants in the country is still not enough to feed the population.  With food you cannot go wrong,” she noted.

    Ms Chika whose outlet – Delightables – is barely four months old is planning to subscribe to online retailing. She was optimistic of increased sales with online marketing.

    “It is the trend of marketing and already made foods cannot be excluded.  It’s all about making life easy for everyone. We need to reach out to every segment of the population.  At present, if you are not marketing your products online, you are obviously at a loss.”

     

    Challenges

    Most of the online food outlets are faced with logistic issues. Having their own logistics firm would invite more cost on the business. To solve this problem, many subscribe to various channels to dispatch their foods. For instance, Jumia Foods with its wide logistics availability has become a one-stop shop for various food outlets to subscribe to.

    However, some of the business men complained that the Lagos traffic has negatively affected the business as sometimes customers reject food delivered due to the accumulated time consumed.

    Mrs Obasi explained that it takes more than two hours to make a delivery. For her to make a quick delivery, she ensures her customers place orders ahead of time.

    A worker at The Kitchen, Lekki, Lagos, said for timely delivery of ordered foods, the company uses various means, including Gokada.  He was worried that free delivery,which the company does for its customers within Lekki, most times, has become a loss to the business.

    “At times it is cheaper to order online than the traditional way of getting the item yourself from the restaurant. When you calculate the product and the delivery, it is quite a loss.  At times, customers will make an order of N1, 000, by the time you calculate the fare to deliver the food, it is twice the amount ordered. So, that is part of the problem.”

     

    Price

    The price of the food is dependent on the item bought. While some have food whose prices are as low as N500, others place a fixed amount for a delivery to be made.

    Similarly, a minimum order worth  N9, 000 is required to have free delivery from Mrs Obasi’s Next Alternative Food.

  • Cake expert to govt: we need your support

    THE Lekki Cake International Exhibition organiser, Mrs Mariam Nwokoro, has called on the Federal Government to see the cake industry as a key sector of the economy.

    She said the industry has witnessed huge development given that the need for cake for various occasions keeps evolving.

    Speaking at the 12th  Cake exhibition  at the Bespoke Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, she underscored the importance of government’s  partnership to create more awareness on the business.

    The sector has produced entrepreneurs who make a living from it.

    “Cake is a very profitable business. I have not seen any event without a cake. It is as important as eating. The bakers are earning well unlike before when they are paid peanuts. I discovered that cake is beyond kitchen affair. It is for the elite, educated, the commoner and everybody in general.

    ”The government should encourage the cake industry because there are employment opportunities in it. The government needs to hear our voice and assist us. They need to see that this is another avenue of creating job” she said.

    Mrs Nwokoro, who left the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), to found Mel Cake Company, recalled how the cake industry was sidelined initially. But she forged on to make an impact in the industry.  She noted that unemployment is a boost to the business.

    “I will say one of the greatest push is unemployment. When you sit at home without a job, it prompts you to want to do something useful with your life. You try to figure out what you can do or learn to earn a living. It has created a lot of jobs for Nigerians, so it is a plus to the economy,’’ she said.

    On the yearly two-day cake exhibition, she said it was targeted at discovering upcoming cake artists and also expose cake vendors.

    It was also a time for shopping, networking and training for exhibitors and shoppers.

    The cake and sugar craft show, which featured Deon Swarts, a renowned South African Cake genius who started baking in 2003, brought cake bakers from within and beyond the country.

    They had the opportunity of learning from  experts at discounted prices, ranging from N1,000 to N5,000, instead of paying over N70,000 outside the fair. Various cakes craft and baking materials were displayed as shoppers shopped at prices as low as N100.

     

    Cake bakers were also treated to practicals of baking cookies without milk, French Butter Icing,  and Gravity cake cup, among others.

    Exhibitors said beyond the nourishing elements in cake, it creates an ethical theme of unity and love, resonating the appreciation of the celebrators to all who graced the occasion. They added that cakes have become a critical aspect of any form of celebration.

    Swarts expressed satisfaction with the advancement in the cake industry. He suggested a cake body that would oversee the association to improve the standards and taste through training and national and international competitions.

    He was concerned about the health factor of cake consumers which he said his partnership would him to deploy his expertise to enlighten cake bakers on health ingredients that can be used in beautifying cakes.

    “It is something that is seen all over the world. I see a lot of stuffs being used that are not healthy which for me is a matter of concern. There should be training on healthy ingredients to use to beautify.

    An upcoming baker, Sun Adekunle who started his cake business in 2015, decried the attitude of some customers to upcoming bakers. He said some clients nurtured a false belief about upcoming bakers ability to produce quality cakes.

     

     

  • Mile12 market needs upliftment, says consultant

    THERE is need for the government to provide basic amenities at Mile 12 market, Lagos, an expert has said.

    The consultant to the market, Femi Odusanya, stated this in an interview.

    He said the popular market has remained in a dilapidated state for years, thereby posing a health challenge to the public.

    He bemoaned the government’s attitude to the market, noting that it is for this that members of the Arewa Perishable Foodstuff Market Association have sponsored projects in the market with the hope that the government would encourage them by coming to their aid.

    Odusanya said: “This is not an ideal market if you compare it to what is obtainable in advanced and even developing countries. Almost everything in this market was self done. The contribution of the state government is very minimal. So, we are calling on the state government to come and rebuild the market because that is the most important need of the market.

    Read also: Scarcity of LAKE Rice hits Lagos markets

    “This is a food market where consumable goods are sold; hygiene is key to sustaining a healthy life. We want an ultra-modern market where people can drive in, have car parks, people moving at ease without wearing boots and shade to protect from the scorching sun and rain.’’

    He was hopeful that the in-coming government would respond to the plea through having a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) template for the reconstruction of the market, urging governor-elect Babajide Sanwo-Olu to put the market on its priority list.

    Also, the expert called on the Federal Government to fix the bad roads, leading to the market, which, he said, have remained a burden in transporting goods from the north as well as hasten the construction of the railways.

    “We need the Federal Government and state government to assist the stakeholders and the players in the agric business value chain by providing good roads.

    ‘’The time we spend on the road, we incur lots of losses, which invariably affect the price.  It is even a plus that the Federal Government is trying to fix the rail. If they can fast-track that, that would really assist the farmers and the agric business players in the sense that it will reduce the number of days for goods to be transported down to Lagos and prevent post harvest wastages,” Odusanya added.

     

  • Online ready-made foods to the rescue

    Readymade online food services are becoming profitable ventures for investors in the Quick Service Restaurant (QSR) business, Jane Chijioke reports.

    To reduce the pressure of cooking in homes, she established an online food retailing service.

    Mrs Helen Onyeka Obasi founded Next Alternative Foods to make available homemade foods to customers who barely have time to prepare good meals.

    She ventured into the business in March, last year, providing various African dishes. Using the internet as a medium to reach her audience, her outdoor services have recorded huge profit.

    Within one year, she has been able to secure 85 percent customer bases within and outside her environ – Surulere.  She has also established a logistics firm which she leases to other food outlets.

    She said: “Online marketing has helped me in this business. I have been doing my business with ease.  I have become the next alternative for my clients who do not have time to prepare food at home or not having gas available when they want to eat, put them as ease from the stress of going to the market to get food stuffs and also providing quality homemade foods for worker at workplaces.’’

    Online already made foods services have become emerging markets for investors in the fast food business also know as Quick Service Restaurant (QSR). Hardly do they go unnoticed within the Lagos metropolis as dispatchers of these various online food retailing outlets are seen on high ways maneuvering traffic to deliver ordered foods.

    With the proliferation of online foods services, such as Foodstantly,  Gofood,  Angelous Kitchen, Sallyopy Fruit Delivery, Citychops,The Kitchen, among others, and also the already existed fast foods who are taking advantage of the digital space, emphasis is placed on quality, packaging, taste, and timely delivery to  build a sustained relationship  with consumers.

    They argued that the advancement in technology and the accessibility of the internet has made it possible for already made foods to strive on such platform. Also, the perception of Nigerians towards having made foods delivered to them is fast becoming the trend.

    Owners of many outlets visited said Nigerians were adapting to the culture of eating breakfast, lunch and dinner through online services.

    They affirmed that e-marketing has attracted more patronage to their brands using a low-cost outreach, noting that the food business is profitable.

    In 2014, the  Association of Fast Food and Confectioneries of Nigeria (AFFCON)  recorded over 800 QSR, generating about N200 billion yearly, with a workforce base of over 500,000.

    Also, in 2016, it noted that the food industry was worth over N1 trillion.

    Since its penetration into the market in the 1970s with Mr Biggs, owned by United Africa Company (UAC), QSR has grown providing ready meals of local and intercontinental taste to the wealthy and middle-income earners.  The increasing population provides a long-term potential to the business, hence, the quick turnaround for profit for investors.

    For Mrs Obasi, food business is profitable. “Lagos alone is a very big market. It is so populated and everybody needs to eat.  The number of fast foods and restaurants in the country is still not enough to feed the population.  With food you cannot go wrong,” she noted.

    Ms Chika whose outlet – Delightables – is barely four months old is planning to subscribe to online retailing. She was optimistic of increased sales with online marketing.

    “It is the trend of marketing and already made foods cannot be excluded.  It’s all about making life easy for everyone. We need to reach out to every segment of the population.  At present, if you are not marketing your products online, you are obviously at a loss.”

     

    Challenges

    Most of the online food outlets are faced with logistic issues. Having their own logistics firm would invite more cost on the business. To solve this problem, many subscribe to various channels to dispatch their foods. For instance, Jumia Foods with its wide logistics availability has become a one-stop shop for various food outlets to subscribe to.

    However, some of the business men complained that the Lagos traffic has negatively affected the business as sometimes customers reject food delivered due to the accumulated time consumed.

    Mrs Obasi explained that it takes more than two hours to make a delivery. For her to make a quick delivery, she ensures her customers place orders ahead of time.

    A worker at The Kitchen, Lekki, Lagos, said for timely delivery of ordered foods, the company uses various means, including Gokada.  He was worried that free delivery,which the company does for its customers within Lekki, most times, has become a loss to the business.

    “At times it is cheaper to order online than the traditional way of getting the item yourself from the restaurant. When you calculate the product and the delivery, it is quite a loss.  At times, customers will make an order of N1, 000, by the time you calculate the fare to deliver the food, it is twice the amount ordered. So, that is part of the problem.”

     

    Price

    The price of the food is dependent on the item bought. While some have food whose prices are as low as N500, others place a fixed amount for a delivery to be made.

    Similarly, a minimum order worth  N9, 000 is required to have free delivery from Mrs Obasi’s Next Alternative Food.

  • Multichoice launches whatsapp self service

    Multichioce Nigeria has launched a Whatsapp self services that enables DStv subscribers to their subscription, fix error codes, make payment and rent Box Office movies.

    The whatsapp  self services guarantees easier usage, helps subscribers to communicate in a format that is more convenient.

    In a statement, it said the self service allows DStv to instantly respond to customers thereby providing a reliable customer services.

    The Chief Executive Officer, John Ugbe said the service is testament of Multichioce innovative ways of improving customers’ experience.

    “we place our customers at the heart of everything we do and what this means is anticipating how to make their experience at our touch points hitch-free. This milestone is a proof that we are serious about seeking innovative ways to improve customer experience on a continuous basis”

    He said messaging apps are the perfect solution to increasing customer satisfaction and loyalty. Noting that Whatsapp has a wider reach of about  1.5 billion users in 180 countries, he said the service will create convince and 24 hours accessibility.

  • Cake expert to govt: we need your support

    THE Lekki Cake International Exhibition organiser, Mrs Mariam Nwokoro, has called on the Federal Government to see the cake industry as a key sector of the economy.

    She said the industry has witnessed huge development given that the need for cake for various occasions keeps evolving.

    Speaking at the 12th  Cake exhibition at the Bespoke Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos, she underscored the importance of government ’s partnership to create more awareness on the business.

    The sector has produced entrepreneurs who make a living from it.

    “Cake is a very profitable business. I have not seen any event without a cake. It is as important as eating. The bakers are earning well unlike before when they are paid peanuts. I discovered that cake is beyond kitchen affair. It is for the elite, educated, the commoner and everybody in general.

    ”The government should encourage the cake industry because there are employment opportunities in it. The government needs to hear our voice and assist us. They need to see that this is another avenue of creating job” she said.

    Mrs Nwokoro, who left the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC), to found Mel Cake Company, recalled how the cake industry was sidelined initially. But she forged on to make an impact in the industry.  She noted that unemployment is a boost to the business.

    “I will say one of the greatest push is unemployment. When you sit at home without a job, it prompts you to want to do something useful with your life. You try to figure out what you can do or learn to earn a living. It has created a lot of jobs for Nigerians, so it is a plus to the economy,’’ she said.

    On the yearly two-day cake exhibition, she said it was targeted at discovering upcoming cake artists and also expose cake vendors.

    It was also a time for shopping, networking and training for exhibitors and shoppers. The cake and sugar craft show, which featured Deon Swarts, a renowned South African Cake genius who started baking in 2003, brought cake bakers from within and beyond the country.

    They had the opportunity of learning from experts at discounted prices, ranging from N1,000 to N5,000, instead of paying over N70,000 outside the fair. Various cakes craft and baking materials were displayed as shoppers shopped at prices as low as N100.   Cake bakers were also treated to practicals of baking cookies without milk, French Butter Icing,  and Gravity cake cup, among others.

    Exhibitors said beyond the nourishing elements in cake, it creates an ethical theme of unity and love, resonating the appreciation of the celebrators to all who graced the occasion. They added that cakes have become a critical aspect of any form of celebration.

    Swarts expressed satisfaction with the advancement in the cake industry. He suggested a cake body that would oversee the association to improve the standards and taste through training and national and international competitions.

    Read also: Celebrity cake maker, Tosan Jemide

    He was concerned about the health factor of cake consumers which he said his partnership would him to deploy his expertise to enlighten cake bakers on health ingredients that can be used in beautifying cakes.

    “It is something that is seen all over the world. I see a lot of stuffs being used that are not healthy which for me is a matter of concern. There should be training on healthy ingredients to use to beautify.

    An upcoming baker, Sun Adekunle who started his cake business in 2015, decried the attitude of some customers to upcoming bakers. He said some clients nurtured a false belief about upcoming bakers ability to produce quality cakes.

     

     

  • Ecobank to focus on women entrepreneurs

    The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan, has said female entrepreneurs with focus to build shopping empires will be considered for credit facilities in the bank.

    Akinwuntan spoke during the unveiling of a new initiative tagged: “Ecobank Female Entrepreneurs Initiative” which recently held in Lagos.

    Some of the benefits include access to credit facilities with little or no collateral, network opportunities across Africa, financial advisory services, wealth management resources and loyalty schemes.

    The initiative was designed to provide women with the necessary support to help them excel in their endeavours, promote and grow their businesses and generally position them for increased participation in the economy of the nation.

    It was also part of activities of the commercial bank to mark this year’s International Women’s Day and also  recognise women as special and unique customers who require tailor-made service offerings.

    He said: “Increasingly, we are seeing the change in the attitudes of women, and their economic viability as individuals and leaders in their fields. Their banking and financial services as a whole therefore present vast opportunities, if properly understood and managed.”

    According to Akinwuntan, the launch is a charge to the society in line with the theme of the International Women’s Day 2019, to challenge the status quo and strive for a balance by empowering females in their immediate environments and subsequently, on a macro level.

    In his words: “Our female customers will become our flagship ambassadors and we have created this platform for them in line with the sustainability requirements of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). These women will be provided with free health checks, training and empowerment sessions and other support tools from Ecobank. The Ecobank Female Entrepreneurs Initiative aims at empowering women by helping them build capacity to grow their businesses.”

    The  Executive Director, Commercial Banking, Mrs. Carol Oyedeji, stated that Ecobank was proud to join the rest of the world to commemorate the Day with the special theme #BalanceforBetter.

    She remarked: “This year’s theme leaves no one in doubt as to the dire need to raise more awareness that gender balance is not a women’s issue but a human issue that must be tackled for us to have a better society and that it should not be mistaken for a battle between the sexes.”

    She called on corporate bodies to ensure women attain their full potential in all areas of society, including the workplace, which she said is vital to the communities and economies to thrive. “A balanced world is a better world. We must help forge a more gender-balanced world by celebrating and recognising women’s achievements, raising awareness against bias and taking action for equality,” she added.

     

     

  • SPAR wins best retail brand

    Spar Nigeria has won the 2019 Best Retail and Superstore Brand at the third West Africa Brands Excellence Award.

    The award was in recognition of its excellent service to Nigerian consumers and the great value addition the brand has brought to West African sub-region.

    The award which was organised by the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria (IBMN) is aimed at identifying, recognising, and rewarding companies that are renowned for introducing best branding management practices across West Africa.

    The Chief Executive of IBMN, Desmond Esorougwe, explained that a study was conducted of which Spar topped ahead of other brands to be the best brand in the retail industry.

    He said: “SPAR Nigeria is renowned for its positive impacts on the lives of consumers, its philanthropic gestures and the provision of innovative products and services.”

    In appreciation of the award, Marketing Head, SPAR Nigeria, John Goldsmith said spar is grateful to be recognised as the best brand of the year.

    “SPAR is glad to receive Best Retail and Superstore Brand 2019 award. SPAR is grateful to the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria, the organisers of the awards for putting together a noble platform for Brands to be recognised across the West African sub-region. We are excited by this award and we see it as an incentive to continually improve the brand by giving the utmost satisfaction to our customers across Nigeria.”

    He continued: “This is an honour, especially to the members of staff, who are relentlessly building the brand in Nigeria. We promise to continually provide topnotch products and service for Nigerians and we will equally support the economy of Nigeria by employing her teeming youthful population.

    “The philosophy of the award-winning retail brand is ‘My Nigeria, My SPAR’, a reflection of its total belief in Nigeria and they have aligned their business practices to the larger objective of being a premier catalyst in Nigeria’s growth story. The brand has ushered positive socio-economic changes in communities to help the Nigeria dream fly high. “

    Noting that the philosophy of the award-winning retail brand is ‘My Nigeria, My SPAR’ which is a reflection of its total belief in Nigeria, the brand, he said had aligned its business practices to the larger objective of being a premier catalyst in Nigeria’s growth story, adding that the brand has ushered positive socio-economic changes in communities”.

    The brand has also won several awards such as the 2018 Outstanding Retail brand of the Year Awards by Marketing Edge Brands and Advertising Excellence Awards, African Quality Achievement Awards and the Brand of the Year 2016-2017, Supermarket Nigeria by World Branding Awards, London.