The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Agency gets award

    A leading marketing and advertising agency, Street Toolz, has won West Africa’s Best World-Class Marketing Communication Agency of the Year by the Institute of Brand Management of Nigeria.

    The event, which held at the Lagos Sheraton Lagos Hotel and Suites, Ikeja, rewarded firms that have been applying branding and brand management best practices to the analysis, planning, implementation and control of policies to achieve corporate objectives.

    Wali of Bornu and Managing Director Kain Energy Limited Alhaji Zanna Zakaria, commended the institute for its consistency in recognising brands and businesses that are innovative, adding that the award is conferred on firms, brands and individuals that have touched lives.

    Street Toolz Managing Director Jerry Ochei praised the award, noting his agency’s penchant to leverage storytelling to create innovative and compelling marketing content for its clients. He said: “Storytelling is a core element of human relations dating back to pre-civilization and cutting across different traditions and generations. At Street Toolz, we take brand storytelling beyond words, helping them speak to the target audiences that matter the most, in the most culturally relevant manner.”

    Other awardees of the night include Great Nigeria Insurance (Insurance Brand of The Year), Life Worth HMO (HMO Brand of The Year), Pemjolad Paints (Paint Brand of The Year), Work Bay (Property/Facility Management Brand of The Year), Keystone Bank (Bank Brand of The Year) and Miss Bimbo (Soap/Detergent Brand of The Year).

    Lat year, Street Toolz was inducted by the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN). Since then, the agency has been creating strategies that are unique to brands, and providing innovative solutions across the digital and traditional media landscape.

    Street Toolz opened in 2012. Its clients include the British Council, World Bank, Amnesty International, Leadway Assurance, Indomie Noodles, Grand Cereal Limited, UAC Foods, Leadway Pensure, Germaine Autos, Propertymart, and Sandtex Paints.

     

  • FBI launched to breed creative giants

    TO discover and celebrate creative young talents in universities, a new creative contest, Future Brand Idol (FBI) has  been launched in Lagos. The event, which held at the Oxygen Academy Lagos, had in attendance key stakeholders from the integrated marketing communications sector and seeks to provide a viable platform for Nigerian students who are interested in Advertising and Public relations to be exposed and become well-bred creative talents while on campus.

    Speaking during the launch, Team Lead, Future Brand Idol (FBI), Ahmed Abdullahi, explained that the platform was borne out of the need to provide capacity development for the huge creative talents that abound in Nigeria. “Our intent is to build a credible brand immersion platform for students of Communication, advertising, marketing and other related courses in Integrated Marketing Communication, through an annual creativity contest,’’ he said”

    Commenting on the initiative, Provost, 02 Academy, Ozone Mbanefo, described the initiative as laudable and timely especially at a time when the industry thrives on creative ideas that are relevant and impactful. “Whether on the client or agency side, creative talents are valuable assets that help to positively project the image of the brand, this is why a platform like FBI is laudable” Ozone concluded.

    Executive Creative director, Noahs Ark, who was also present at the launch, likened the platform to Portfolio Night in Nigeria and expressed confidence in the capacity of the platform to improve and increase the level of creativity especially as it concerns brands among Nigerian students.

    On the impact that FBI would have on the industry at large, Managing Director, Withoutabox PR (WAB), Theodore Nyingifa, expressed that well-bred talents from campuses will develop into competent and very creative brand custodians and cosultants “once we get it right from the campuses, learning on the job becomes even more easier” said Theodore.

     

     

  • Cash-strapped shoppers go on low budget

    The first month of the year is associated with cash crunch. But most shoppers are cutting their budget and making informed choices before purchases, writes Tonia Diyan.

    Holidays are happy times. People are off work. They’re having fun, and they may have got a bonus at work. That’s the kind of stuff that stores want to hear.

    They use holidays to create huge sales events so that they can take advantage of your good mood. We talked earlier about how happy people spend more money.

    Holidays make people happy and that means they’re primed to spend money. The sales are meant to get you into the stores and spending that paycheck on discounted stuff and some non-discounted stuff, too.

    However, smarting from the hangover of the Yuletide when most families spared no expenses to enjoy the fun and thrills of the festivities, many are forced to go on low budget  this time of the year.

    Giving reasons for the change in consumer behaviour, Vivian Iweha said: “January is regarded as a period of famine and that’s why sales drop everywhere.

    “In the business of selling, times are tough as the retail sales indicate that shops are struggling to persuade customers to part with their cash. Thus, successful selling involves attracting buyers by any means. Like any  business, retail stores exist to take the shopper’s money.”

    She continued: “It’s no secret that stores want you to spend as much money as possible. But how far do they go to make it happen? In fact, business psychologists and marketing experts have concocted some ways to get you to buy more products and spend more money than you intended.’’

    Also, Joseph Ebata, an expert on consumer behaviour, said: “Margins are very slim in grocery business, and stores and brands have to be very aggressive to motivate consumers to move items into shopping carts.’’

    A study has shown that stores try to condition you to travel down all of the aisles so that you’ll continue doing it even after you get everything on your list. Each aisle has only a part of a meal in it. To get  the meal, you have to travel down multiple aisles. Since no store has a standardised set up, you have to travel up and down all of the aisles to find all of the ingredients. Eventually, you’ll start doing it out of force of habit even after you’ve completed your shopping list.

    Studies have shown that people who touch things are more likely to buy them than those who do not. This is especially true in clothing stores. You put your hands on a shirt and feel the fabric. You may pick up something in a store to look at it. All these things help you make your decision to buy something. That’s why very few stores have things that are out of reach. If you can touch everything, that’s higher odds that you’ll buy at least some of it.

    Ebata added: “People are actually more likely to spend N1000 when they’re broken up in smaller bills (N10, N50, and N100) than if they were carrying a single N1000 bill. Stores know this and that’s why they only put these items on the checkout line. You’re going to spend money anyway; so, why not spend an extra buck? That’s a buck you probably wouldn’t have spent with a N50 in your pocket, if you’d seen that candy somewhere else in the store.

    “Making a shopping list before entering a grocery store and sticking to it during the shopping trip has two advantages: It keeps you away from distractions; and even if you fall for any of the tricks, you still got what you wanted to start with.’’

     

     

  • itel Mobile: The journey so far

    itel Mobile is a household name in Africa. But only a few of its users that enjoy the reliability, trendiness, and affordability of the devices made by this Hi-innovative brand, have heard of the marketing tricks, inspiring brand campaigns, meticulously researched consumer culture, business plots and resilient characters that transformed the Chinese manufacturer into a global brand.

    From its humble beginnings to its spectacular takeovers and accomplishments, indeed, the itel brand has come a long way since it was founded in 2007 and this is the gripping tale that unravels the heart of the story from which an iconic phone brand emerged.

    Coming into a competitive space, such as the consumer electronics industry, itel whose business strategy spun around being a low-cost provider, faced a critical challenge of being a low-quality alternative. In 2009, itel combined its technological prowess with groundbreaking interactive and immersive consumer communication campaigns to address this issue, as it reached a sales record of one million.

    Being a customer-centric brand has set itel from its competitors. It has positioned its products as technologically advanced problem solvers through its Android, selfie, and Max-power devices.

    Last year, itel Mobile was recognised as the 16th most-admired brands in Africa. That same year, its best-selling monster battery smartphone, itel P32 was honored as the best big battery smartphone by United States famous tech media  Android Authority.

    Product has always been the buzzword for itel Mobile but its consumers remain the core focus of the brand. Itel also continues to reinforce its commitment to giving back to society through its corporate social responsibility campaigns tagged “Love always on”- an initiative that tackles social issues such as A child’s right to education, fight against hunger and poverty alienation.

  • Star Lager unveils ambassador

    National premium beer brand, Star Lager has revealed that Afro-pop sensation Burna Boy is now an ambassador for the brand. The unveiling was made on Sunday, January 27 during a press event at CIRCA, Lekki. Leading up to the announcement, a series of visual cues were syndicated across social media, generating massive mainstream media attention ahead of the official announcement.

    The announcement of Burna Boy as brand ambassador comes after a remarkable year for the music star in 2018, which featured various highlights such as headlining his own sold out concert, as well as being listed as one of only two African acts to perform at the prestigious Coachella Festival.

    Over the years Star Lager has been one of the leading brand supporters of Nigerian music, hence the decision to forge this association with Burna Boy further cementing the brand’s position as key players in the Nigerian entertainment scene. The brand’s effort in the music industry includes hosting one of the first music talent shows in Nigeria, Star Quest.

    Following up this landmark achievement, Star also put together some of the biggest music shows Nigeria has ever seen, through its Star Mega Jam and Star Music Trek platforms.

     

     

  • Dufil takes Indomie Relish to Port Harcourt

    Dufil Prima Foods, makers of Indomie Instant noodles, has introduced Indomie Relish, into Port Harcourt market.

    Consumers trooped to Port Harcourt Mall on Azikiwe Road to have a taste of the chicken and seafood flavours.

    Indomie Relish offers a meal experience with real chicken and sausage chunks in the chicken flavour packs and real fish chunks and fish powder in the seafood flavour packs. It provides ingredients that make a meal complete like tomato and onion sauce, dried pepper, seasoning powder and oil.

    The Product Manager, Ginny Tewatia, said no chemical was added to preserve the real chicken, fish and hot dog chunks in Indomie Relish.

    Tewatia said: “Indomie stands for providing products with highest quality and Indomie Relish has stood firm on this guiding principle. Real meat used in Indomie RELISH lasts longer because of technology called “Freeze Drying” and not by adding preservatives and chemicals. It’s a process by which moisture is reduced by freezing the meat at extremely low temperature and removing the frozen moisture from the meat. Low temperature freezing reduces the bacteria and moisture thereby increasing the shelf life. When the water is added to the meat, it regains original texture and taste because there are no additional artificial additives added to it. We did this to give consumers the fresh taste of chicken and hotdog or seafood, depending on their preferences.”

    The high point of the launch were the dry and wet samplings of the brand. At the wet sampling stand, consumers received two plates of cooked Indomie Relish, consisting of chicken flavour and the seafood flavour.

    Other participants, however, received uncooked Indomie Relish packs at the dry sampling stand, where the consumers completed some very entertaining tasks, which qualified them to win.

    Some consumers said they like the product. A student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Miss Sherry Momodu said she likes Indomie Relish because it is a complete meal, adding that the packaging is appealing.

    Momodu said: “As a student, I love Indomie Relish because each pack contains what I need to have garnished Indomie. With Indomie Relish, I do not need to worry about what to embellish my Indomie noodles with. It’s tasty and nutritious both.”

    Earlier, the product was launched in Lagos and Abuja.

  • Frooty Happy Hour 100ml pack excites consumers

    Following the success of Happy Hour by Chivita fruit drink, Nigeria’s fastest growing juice brand, Chi Limited, has launched Frooty Happy Hour,with the aim  to deliver natural fruity refreshment at an affordable price point.Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is a healthy, refreshing, fruit flavoured drink with exciting variants that offers an instant shot of affordable refreshment options for consumers.

    Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita delivers incremental volumes with a 100ml pack size, making it the most affordable quality juice product in the market. It is a healthy beverage alternative to carbonated drinks as it offers more in natural fruity benefits as well as provides high quality refreshment for your body and mind.

    Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita also increases its appeal and creates a connection with three exciting variants of Orange, Pineapple and Red Berries. Its affordable 100ml handy pack size offers shots of refreshment which resonates with an upwardly mobile youthful consumer segment desirous of rejuvenating satisfaction anytime and anywhere.

    The brand’s tagline of “a shot of refreshment” highlights a consistent and memorable brand message, that communicates its promise of unrivalled refreshment. At its core is a promise to deliver a shot of affordable fruity refreshing goodness with each consumer experience.

    As we strive for a healthier lifestyle, fun and exciting activities will become an essential option. So whether with friends on an evening of fun or hanging out at a picnic, Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita comes in handy because it is about fun, excitement and smart choices.

    Managing Director of Chi Limited, Deepanjan Roy, said  Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita was introduced to invigorate and tap into a market demand for more affordable options of great tasting, refreshing and healthy fruit drinks.

    ”Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita is an invitation to consumers to experience a refreshing fruit drink but importantly do so at a price point of N25, which is more affordable to meet a growing demand and offer consumers added value for healthy refreshment,” he noted.

    Frooty Happy Hour by Chivita’s 100ml pack size is currently available in Road Kiosk, Chi Shoppe, departmental stores and neighbourhood shops across Nigeria

  • Hero rewards 500 consumers in promo

    Hero lager, a leading quality beer brand from the stable of International Breweries Plc, a proud part of the AB InBev family, has rewarded over 500 consumers with cash prizes worth over N90 million and gifts through its national consumer promo, tagged: HEROnaires Mega promo, which ran for three months.

    The promo aimed at rewarding consumers above the legal drinking age of 18 with N1 million weekly wins for 17 weeks. The promo also offered other consolation prizes, including cash prizes of N50, 000 each to other winners.

    The consumer promotion was also a part of Hero’s efforts to connect with its loyal consumer base, especially as the year end is a season for spreading love and celebrating with family and friends. “For International Breweries, Christmas represents a perfect time and season for giving back, gifting and rewarding its loyal customers for their patronage all through the year,” said Marketing Director, International Breweries, Tolu Adedeji

    “The ‘HEROnaires Mega’ promo underlines the company’s commitment to impacting the lives of its customers for good and putting smiles on their faces. “In this time of the year, a simple act of kindness can make a huge difference. What better way to salute our customers than to create opportunities for them to become millionaires through the reward scheme, particularly in this season of sharing, caring and giving,” she added.

    Numerous winners from different walks of life and parts of the country were rewarded with various cash prizes, and many expressed joy and excitement over their good fortune. Speaking in Igbo, through a translator, Mr. Ugwuanyi Onyebuchi, one of the N1 million winners said: “I am super excited and still cannot believe that I have won N1 million just like that? I heard that people have been winning but I never imagined I will be one of them. Thank you very much Hero lager, Ndi Oh Mpa.”

    At the conclusion of the promo, Marketing Manager, Hero lager, International Breweries Plc, Obumneke Okoli, stated that Hero lager keeps fulfilling its long standing promise to continue rewarding consumers in various regions and zones in Nigeria. “We wanted to reward our consumers in a unique way and we are very excited to have impacted lives and homes positively, especially during the yuletide with the staggering amount of giveaway. This was also our little way of saying thank you.”

    Some of the weekly winners of N1 million were presented their dummy cheques at the Hero music extravaganza, another way by which the brand connected with its consumers this festive period. The fiesta held in cities like Onitsha, Enugu, Abuja and Calabar with impressive performances from popular Nigerian musicians like Omawunmi, Zoro, Rudeboy, Timaya, Duncan Mighty, Reekado Banks, Harrysong, Slow Dog, among others, who thrilled fans till the break of dawn.

     

  • Despite retail woes, dollar stores are thriving

    In today’s growing economy, people still exhibit recession-influenced shopping tendencies. According to eMarketer’s retail analyst, Andrew Lipsman, “consumer confidence is actually at a high right now, but since the recession, people have developed and internalized a lot of bargain-shopping behaviors that aren’t going away—at least for certain types of goods.”

    Indeed, households with income of $20,000 to $39,000 and those with $100,000-plus income account for equal shares of dollar store consumers (21percent), according to an Inmar study from July 2018.

    However, while the economy overall improves, gains have not been shared equally by upper- and lower-income households. “And greater numbers of low-income households that continue to struggle to make ends meet make for a sizable customer base for dollar stores,” Lipsman said.

    With widening income disparities, it’s not surprising that dollar stores feed more people in the US than grocers like Whole Foods. According to private market data from China Store Guide, grocery sales at Dollar General and Dollar Tree neared $24 billion in 2018, compared with Whole Foods’ roughly $15 billion.

    The increase in grocery sales can also be attributed to dollar stores’ efforts to provide a greater diversity of goods to their consumers—specifically lower-income customers.

    At a mid-2018 conference, Dollar General’s CEO, Todd Vasos explained that “[Dollar General’s] core customer is always a little bit behind the curve,” adding, “better-for-you is starting to emerge as a trend.” In December 2018, the company said their plans to offer produce and meat in stores in predominantly rural and urban food deserts would, “drive a tremendous amount of traffic.”

  • Tecno launches  camera and A.I technology

    To sustain an amazing user experience, TECNO Mobile collaborated with professionals such as  Abdusalam Hamza and Obasa Olorunfemi  to present a smartphone  photography master class during the just-concluded Lagos Photo Festival.

    The Lagos Photo Festival was the first international art festival of  photography  in Nigeria. Launched in October 2010, it was organised by the African Artists’ Foundation (AAF) as part of an ongoing project designed to use art in public spaces as a medium for increasing societal awareness. The festival includes workshops and classes for professional artists, art fairs and indoor and outdoor exhibitions citywide. Held annually, the festival features emerging photographers alongside established photographers.

    In a presentation on ‘Street Photography’, Hamza took participants through the rudiments of Street Photography covering a range of subjects such as understanding the camera and the components of street photography. He also urged everyone to start with what they have- their phone, all that is needed is to create the concept behind the picture in the mind first. He showcased a cross-section of his exhibitions taken with various TECNO devices.

    According to Jesse Oguntimehin, PR and Strategic Partnership manager at TECNO Nigeria, “The revolutionary AI technology embedded in CAMON 11 PRO and CAMON 11’s camera will elevate the smartphone selfie entirely.  Selfie-lovers will enjoy the high-end 24 or 16-megapixel front camera, which has advanced with intelligent features based on artificial intelligence. The AI-technology smartly allows you to create high-quality self-portraits with natural skin colour and optimise the image, achieving brighter colours and sharp contours’ A partnership with the organisers of the festival is in line with the camera-centric features of our Camon series. A win-win for both organisations”.

    It is worthy to note that the wonderful images taken during the photowalk of the Lagos Photo festival were showcased at the official launch of the Camon 11 and 11 Pro.