The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • ‘Online fashion shopping acceptance is growing’

    Forty percent of fashion shoppers make half of purchases online, a study has found.

    When it comes to online fashion shopping, 50 percent of shoppers search for discounts. And even more, 57 percent of these will only make a purchase if there is a promotion.

    In fact, online popularity is growing and 63 percent of people surveyed by The Nation Shopping said they would buy more if they could save more online.

    The country’s apparel market keeps growing. However, the market is rapidly changing with the emergence of e-commerce and private labels.

    Fashion shopper wants products fast.Twenty-nine percent of respondents said they would buy more fashion online, if more brands are sold on a single marketplace.

    Still, active fashion shoppers are busy online, as 40 percent make more than half of their purchases digitally and 77percent of aggressive fashion shoppers make at least 21percent of their purchases online. Of these, 35percent shop weekly and 33percent have made more than 10 purchases online in the past six months.

    And online shoppers are great spenders, as 39percent admitted to spending at least N361, 520 yearly.

    In addition, today’s shoppers’ wants free shipping, which they say is very important to 63percent of those surveyed.

    And it seems sales persons still have a role in fashion shopping. Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed said a positive interaction with a sales person is an important factor in the likelihood to buy. Yet, 53percent would rather interact with technology than a sales person

    No one can ignore the growth of the Nigerian online fashion world. Fashion sales grew by more than 70percent last year, accounting for million in sales.

    Africa’s apparel and footwear market is reportedly worth $31 billion, according to data by Euromonitor. Extrapolation from the report shows Nigeria’s apparel and footwear market is worth N1, 699,144,000. This is significantly behind South Africa’s apparel and footwear market that is worth $14.4 billion.

  • Indomie wins Kantar’s ‘Most Chosen Brand’ award

    Nigeria’s number one noodles brand, Indomie Instant noodles, from the stables of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, has topped Nigeria’s most chosen brands in the Kantar world panel’s Brand Footprint ranking for the year.

    Kantar Worldpanel, which has been in existence for the past 60 years, is an international company dealing in consumer knowledge and insights based on continuous consumer panels.

    Making the announcement in Lagos, the organisers of the award said Indomie came first ahead of other big brands, such as Maggi, Cowbell, Peak, Milo, klin, Golden penny, Onga and Dano in the Nigeria Top 10 category of the award.

    The organisation also ranked Indomie as eight most chosen brand in the award’s global fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) top 50 brands category, beating 42 other global brands to cling the award.

    Receiving the award in Lagos, Dufil Prima Foods Chief Operating Officer (COO), Girish Sharma, thanked the organizers of the award, saying it was an honour to be recognised as ‘Nigeria’s Most Chosen Brand’ and promised that the firm would continue to deliver best and innovative products to her various consumers. “Coming first among other big brands is a very significant honour as this reflects Dufil’s commitment to global manufacturing best practices and world class quality control, dependability and reliability that ultimately add up to great value. Dufil will continue to deliver the best products consumers have come to know us for over the years,” Sharma said.

    In his remarks, Dufil Prima Foods Group Public Relations and Events Manager, Mr Temitope Ashiwaju, appreciated indomie’s numerous stakeholders for making the brand their number one. Ashiwaju said: “We are very delighted that Indomie emerged as Nigerian number one brand in this year’s edition of Brand Footprint. We are grateful to our numerous consumers, sales force, members of staff, the media and other stakeholders for making this possible.

    ‘’Without them, this height would not have been achieved by this great brand.

    While  we see  this rating as  appreciation  for  the  great  effort  that has gone into  building  this  brand, we think it is also a call for more  hard work on our part to  continue to make the brand a relevant one. And we are not going to fail on this. Dufil Prima Foods will continue to bring various innovations, in partnership with her numerous stakeholders, to retain the brand as best and most chosen brand in Nigeria,” Ashiwaju said.

  • N1m daily in Shoprite promo

    Shoprite Nigeria is celebrating its anniversary by giving away daily prizes worth N1 million with various in-store promotions.

    The Birthday Jackpot, which will  end on September 27, will see participants win N5, 000 or N50, 000 or N250, 000. Participants are to buy three or more of the participating products. Once all the items have been rung up at the till, the cashier will inform the customer if he has won.

    The products include Aquafina, Bounty, Pepsi, Mars, Milo, Molfix, Ocean Beach, CloseUp, Heineken, Nescafe, Sunlight, President Margarine, Nestle Golden Morn, Cooks, Hollandia Yoghurt, Golden Phoenix, Dettol, Amstel Malta, Five Alive, and Jameson Irish Whiskey.

    “With this promotion, we want to reward our customers for their loyalty. It’s not only a celebration of Shoprite Nigeria’s birthday, but also the people – workers and customers – without whom our business would not exist,” General Manager Shoprite Nigeria, Carl Erickson, said.

    Customers can enter the jackpot as often as they wish, provided a minimum of three participating products is bought every time. Winners will be asked to verify their age via an identity document.

    Shoprite was launched in Nigeria in 2005 in the Lekki, Lagos state. Yearly, the Africa’s biggest retailer celebrates its anniversary with  discounts and in-store contests.

  • Chivita wins award

    Chivita has emerged the Outstanding Juice Brand of the Year at the Marketing Edge Awards in Lagos.

    Having won the award in 2016, the brand’s recognition has once again highlighted its consistency and market dominance in the juice beverage category.

    Known as a high quality natural fruit juice brand, whose evolution and strategic drive for market leadership has been fueled by superior product quality, innovation, effective consumer engagement activities and an enviable brand loyalty, Chivita, through its array of fruit juices, like Chivita 100percent, Chivita Active, Chi Exotic, Happy Hour by Chivita, Chi Ice Tea and Capri Sonne, has become a household name as a result of its popularity amongst consumers.

    This award joins a growing list of recognition awards for Chi, which include the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria’s (MAN) 50th Annual General Meeting and Awards 2018 for Best Kept Industrial Premises, The Guardian Manufacturing Excellence Award 2017 for Beverage Manufacturing Company of the Year, Chivita Active Vegetable Fruit Nectar and Hollandia Choco Malt Drink category wins at the 2017 Marketing World Awards, “Most Innovative FMCG Company” at the Top 50 Brands Nigeria Award, as well as the Businessday Top 25 Most Innovative Companies and Institutions in Nigeria Awards 2017.

    For keen industry watchers, the Marketing Edge Awards offered a veritable platform to celebrate creativity, innovation, marketing and sustainability for brands, corporate institutions and distinguished personalities.

    According to the organisers of the Marketing Edge Awards, the nomination of Chivita for the award was a result of painstaking review and assessment of the patriotic contributions of the brand to the growth, development and continuing evolution of the juice segment of the Nigerian FMCG industry.

    “The brand’s commitment to the enthronement and sustenance of global best practices in the industry as well as its impactful strides in the face of daunting challenges, especially over the last one year, very well positioned it for such recognition and celebration,” they stated.

    Sustained by a value proposition that has further widened its competitive edge in the juice category, Chivita takes pride in its no added sugar and no preservatives composition. The brand’s refreshing value, superior taste, good nutrition, healthy standard as well as smart packaging designs continue to appeal to millions of health conscious consumers across all ages that have made it an integral part of their daily nutritional addition and healthy lifestyle choices.

     

     

  • Tips for last-minute school supply shoppers

    Making a list of requirements and sticking to a budget is the best way to curb expenditure when buying back- to-school supplies. Experts have, however, advised that parents set limits for what they can buy. TONIA ‘DIYAN writes

    AS  schools resume next week, some parents are afraid of the expenses that await them.

    Some students are already back to school, while others will start next week. But for those still tackling school lists and needs, this might not be the best time.

    With the new school year a week away, malls and other shopping centres are overflowing with parents and kids rushing to make all their purchases but prices are not friendly.

    With just one week to go, this weekend is a big one for back-to-school shoppers.Notebooks, bookbags and lunch boxes were some of the items that flew off the shelves at major shopping places visited by The Nation Shopping. Most parents were seen trying to rush out and complete those shopping lists in time for the big day. Students and parents are flocking to malls, markets and department stores to stock up on school supplies but, for many, it is a costly shopping trip as usual.

    As school children head back to school, they’re going to need supplies. For last-minute shoppers, maximising savings by creating a shopping list is the way out.

    It is important to start by looking and sorting through the things  that are available and taking note of the essentials needed. Budget making to avoid spending on unnecessary items should also be considered before checking for educational discounts.

    Parents say the list of required supplies grows yearly, and with many children, the Naira signs add up quickly. “From school uniforms to note books, of course backpacks, lunch-bags, there’s quite an extensive list,” says Mrs Badmus Omolola, a mother scouting for back to school supplies for her ward at The Arena market in Oshodi.

    Omolola says she tries to make a new budget each school session. She says it’s hard to go overboard, hardly spending N50, 000 on the basics.

    Mrs Okiria Stella, another shopper, said that she spent more than she planned. “There’s a tendency to spend more because things are getting more expensive,” she said.

    Miss Abigail Fagbemi is a student, who puts herself on a pretty low budget. She said: “When I go shopping, I go for the deals because I don’t like being played for over-prices,” she said.

    Back-to-school usually opens up opportunities for retailers to make brisk business and this year, more female shoppers are trooping to markets and stores to buy school items for their wards.

    Ordinarily, one would think sellers of back-to-school items should pace around their stalls and shops, particularly those who sell in the open traditional market, focusing on the road as if they are expecting an important visitor.

    Due to the large number of children returning to schools after a two-month holiday, some retailers claimed this is the peak sales period for them.

    In a chat with The Nation Shopping, Omolara Akanni, a trader in Katangua, said the school resumption has boosted her sales  as she smiles home regularly, making good returns from hawking pencils, ‘biros’, erasers and other school items in the market.

    However, in a world where many children are struggling with academic overloads and growing demands on their time, parents are expected to provide them with the materials to ease their learning.

    Parents are making the best use of this last week to shop for their children’s needs. This is the period parents’ flood shops dealing in school items to buy their children’s needs for the new session.

    Experts advise that for prudent management of available funds, parents should have a list of everything that their wards need and work through it. Sharing these needs into two sections, she explained, is a wise decision.

    “One part for those items to be purchased once in a session and the second part should be for items that will be replenished during the school year. The list will ensure that one does not overshoot one’s budget. It is also proper for school supplies to be bought before resumption and with the child’s consent. And like everything else, school items have fashion trend and children are often disappointed when latest designs are sold out before their parents get to the market or when their sizes are not found.”

     

     

  • Tecno partners MTN on mPulse

    TECNO mobile has partnered MTN to launch mPulse, a unique initiative to channel the work ethic of teenagers and create a subconscious template of optimal productivity which would be beneficial to themselves and their environment.

    The specially-designed platform is for youngsters from nine to 15, to enable them learn and gain pragmatic skills while also having fun.

    The unveiling, which held at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, was lit up with attractions that included a Virtual Reality Master Class facilitated by Obaloluwa Odelana, a 13-year-old JSS3 pupil, and the youngest African hyper-realism artist, Kareem Waris Olamilekan of Waspa Art, who inspired children at the event through their craft which had recently gained massive recognition through social media.

    As proud partners of the event, Tecno’s recently released Spark 2 was showcased as the kids trooped to the Tecno experiential booth to have a first-hand feel of the device which comprises features such as a 6.0 HD+ screen, 13MP rear camera, 3500mAh battery and so much more.

    The mPulse package comes with a voice plan and a fun, educative website which hosts various courses and study aids to help children from Primary one to SS3 excel.

    The portal also provides a bouquet of single and multiplayer games, as well as life skill videos, from computer programming, fashion designing, medicine and blogging to engineering, writing, data science and motivational speaking.

  • Aveon Offshore, National Oilwell Varco partner to deliver Egina Olt-Buoy

    Aveon Offshore has raised its reputation to a new height, as it partners APL/NOV to launch an Egina Olt- Buoy.

    The delivery ceremony, which took place at Aveon fabrication yard, Rumuolumeni, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, was attended by key players in the Nigerian oil and gas industry, which included the workers and management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Simbi Wabote.

    The Chairman of Aveon Offshore, Tein George, said executing the project required a lot of time and manpower, adding that the brand was proud to have completed the project at the scheduled time.

    He added: “We at Aveon Offshore strive for excellence by delivering top notch services within defined project timeline. We are a proudly safety conscious company and our safety record, which remains uncompromised regardless of the nature of the project we take on and our work, is fully compliant with local content requirements and the recently-concluded construction of this Egina Olt- Buoy is not an exception.”

    The project, which is a joint effort of the National Oilwell Varco and Aveon offshore, has been proved to be safe for use after validating test-runs.

    John Borres Sannaes expressed NOV’s satisfaction working with Aveon Offshore through the course of the project.

    “Before we decided to work with Aveon Offshore, we had a clear understanding of their high standard and their attention to details. So, the decision to work with them on this project was so easy. The engineers engaged in the execution of this project are some of the best around. That was because we wanted the best quality and we wanted to scale through every QC test without any concern,” he said.

    Aveon Offshore remains one of the best oil-servicing firms in the country, with a focus on total client satisfaction that is achieved through the provision of products and services of top-most quality, which is delivered through an unyielding firmness on safety and environmental principle, which has remained second to none.

     

  • Shopping malls and festivities

    These days most shopping malls play dual role of trade centres as well as entertainment funspots, especially during major festivities. TONIA DIYAN who visited some malls within Lagos metropolis and its environs during the just-concluded Eid-il-Mubarak festival, captures the sight and sound. 

    These days,  shopping malls are fast becoming entertainment power house of some sort.

    The reason is to attract customers. To achieve that, they add something extra particularly during festivals. That extra is entertainment. To get people to buy, you have to get them there, and the entertainment co-efficient in a mall is something that builds traffic. This is the logic behind many malls – something to lure people to the place, then, they can shop.

    The crowd at Ikeja City Mall on Tuesday and Wednesday being Sallah points to this fact. The presence of eateries and cafes will always explain the affinity between shopping and leisure.

    A visit to the Adeniran Ogunsanya Mall, Surulere, Lagos, was enthralling as well as revealing because it became the preferred destination for residents who not only wanted to shop but to get a dose of entertainment too. The mall became an instant hit with its music, lightings and appealing ambience which made people contented to just look around, window shop or simply relax.

    The cinemas at Leisure Mall also in Adeniran Ogunsanya in Surulere as well as the array of eateries  at the mall were among the side attractions that endeared many there. The idea is to get people there and actual shopping could follow; and what could really lure people if not a conducive environment to unwind, and an inviting place to shop?

    For example, Stand Up Nigeria comedy show at the cinema at the City Mall, Onikan, draws a good number of people to the mall.

    Same goes with child care stores. Children’s clothiers, such as Jack N Jill, Kids Country. Play Zone which entertains the children with games and all kinds of toys to play with while their parents shopped for them.

    Mrs Ereduwa Gbadebo, former  Broll Cheif Executive Officer in charge of shopping malls in the country once said:  “We are trying to push a retail revolution; create a fun place where people can come in with their families to shop and have fun. It comprises the cinema, the textile shops, restaurants and a lot of other relaxation and shopping centres. That is what my company, Broll is trying to lead – a destination centre where you have to come in the morning and don’t have to leave till evening; something different that we are proud of. “The whole family can go shopping together. Take the children along. They can spend like two hours at the cinema watching a good movie. You can go to the jewellery store, there are clothing stores, shoes stores, super market, computer electronics and other items you need. When you are  done with shopping, go pick your children and visit the restaurant or eatery. It is all encompassing”.

    Many people who spoke to The Nation Shopping at these shopping malls affirmed that they are mostly there to catch some fun. “Of course, I come here to shop but the place is fun packed, I also want to catch some fun at the bar upstair,”said Mr Kayode Ogunlaja, at Ikeja City Mall.

    For Mrs Romoke Abdulkareem, at days like these, there is more to the mall than just shopping. “I am a retailer on the Mainland. Aside shopping and having fun, I have come here to catch inspiration for my business. For instance, I have added a lounge as an extension of my store; it even attracts more people who relax, wine, dine and eventually shop!” she exclaimed.

    Like Mr Ogunlaja, shopping centres incorporate dining and entertainment to their mix to make their centres recreational shopping destinations and to drive frequency of visits and length-of-stay. “Today, we are moving to an experience economy where what consumers want are experiences-memorable experiences which engage them in an inherently personal way”. Joe Pine, noted in his book, ‘The Experience Economy’.

    Some shopping malls  devote up to 35 per cent or more of their ‘store’ GLA to entertainment, restaurants and cinemas. When entertainment is incorporated into a shopping complex, it is sometimes referred to as a retail entertainment center (RECs).

    With over 75 per cent of shopping trips and purchase decisions being made by women, it is important to meet a woman’s needs at shopping destinations. This often also means meeting the needs of children when they accompany their mother on a shopping trip. Experts are also rising up in shopping centre design, development and management, market research, designing family-friendly facilities for entertainment, education and play.

    What originally began as a method to keep children busy while their parents shopped has evolved into experiential retail – creating an environment that kids and their parents enjoy being in and that they won’t soon forget.

     

     

  • Dubai gives family-friendly shopping discounts

    Shopping in Dubai has become a lot more affordable this season for Nigerian families and others, as the city recently announced a host of super savings to be had on a huge selection of family-friendly restaurants, fun-filled attractions and action-packed activities when they download the newest free smartphone apps and sign up to the latest loyalty card offers.

    The discounts include some stunning new offers from three of Dubai’s biggest names in retail, hotel, leisure, and tourism aimed at keeping visitors and residents in high spirits even as the temperature rises outside.

    Meraas, the developer behind some of Dubai’s most popular attractions including City Walk, The Beach, Boxpark, The Outlet Village, Al Seef and La Mer, has launched its new SunSational app for smartphone users. Also, regular visitors to developer Emaar’s collection of properties and destination hotels throughout Dubai can take advantage of great offers when they sign up to the new U by Emaar card.

    International hotel company Jumeirah is offering everyone who downloads its new isme by Jumeriah app great discounts at its spas, restaurants, family attractions and hotels across the emirate.

    The free to download apps and free to join loyalty schemes are great for families and visitors on the look out for fun and money-saving activities this summer.

    The easy to use SunSational app is packed with more than 200 offers, from discounts on your favourite dishes at great restaurants, deals on outdoor and gym-based activities, and even money off your bill when shopping at some of the biggest brand name stores.

    Visitors to The Beach at JBR can enjoy 20 percent off their bill at South American eatery Poco Loco, Japanese venue Sushi Art and at coffee shop The Brass. There is also the option of buy one get one free main courses at  Real Madrid Café and at Emirati restaurant Seven Sands, as well as and many more offers across the beachfront destination.

    Visitors to Al Seef, Meraas’ newest development at Dubai Creek, can enjoy a 30 percent discount when booking a trip on the famous Bateaux Dubai dinner cruise and 25 percent off their bill when eating at popular Arabic restaurant Al Mangal Express, and 20 percent off selected perfumes at Jovoy Rare Perfumes.

     

    The deals don’t stop there. City Walk has some great bargains for fashionistas including 20 percent off your bill at uber-cool store 7 For All Mankind and at Chantelle Paris. There’s also an amazing 55 percent off at Italian fashion brand AnnaRita N and 20 percent off your bill at high-end European restaurant Galvin.

    There are 10 deals to be had at urban hang out Box Park, including 15 percent off selected items at shoe store Toms along with 20 percent off your bill at international restaurant Big Chefs and at French-European café Le Tresor.

    Also, the offers in the isme by Jumeriah app are open to everyone, although users have the option of paying an annual fee to become an elite member which comes with special features and bigger discounts. As a bonus, Jumeirah Sirus members can also collect points each time they use the isme by Jumeriah app.

    With so many great, free offers up for grabs, there’s never been a better time to go and explore some of Dubai’s biggest, best and most popular destinations for some serious savings and fun.

     

  • Rite Foods supports athletes with N30m

    AS part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR), Rite Foods Limited, makers of Bigi soft drinks, Fearless Energy drinks, Bigi and Rite Sausages, supported the just-concluded African Athletics Championship tagged: “Champions of the Niger”.

    Its Managing Director, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, said his company will always support Nigeria and its people.

    He said: “We believe that ordinary people are capable of delivering extra-ordinary things; so, we always get involved with such through sponsorships, corporate social responsibilities in one form or the other.”

    According to him, Rite Foods supports  championship with over N30million worth of products for athletes and spectators to support sports in Nigeria in particular and Africa in general.

    “In Rite Foods, we believe sports can unite nations, bringing out the best in youths and adults alike, hence creating an atmosphere of peace in the world at large.

    “Rite Foods is also represented fully in manpower at the championship to activate and ensure that everyone experiences the spirit of sportsmanship through our ISO certified products,” he said.

    A member of the Planning  Committee, Asaba 2018, Mr. Bukola Olopade, said the championship enjoyed partnership with Rite Foods as its official beverage  sponsor. He gave kudos to the company, saying: “Rite Foods must be showered accolades for sponsoring this event and the reason is not farfetched; lots of brands do not understand what it takes to be part of an event of this nature and magnitude.

    ”When we approached Rite Foods for partnership, it was seamless, very straight forward and what has amazed me about how Rite Foods has operated in the course of this sponsorship is the way the company has activated and showed up immensely to be fully involved.”