The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Scotland Expands Consumer Market for Premium Spirit in Nigeria

    Scotland Expands Consumer Market for Premium Spirit in Nigeria

    Edrington, an international spirits company based in Scotland and makers of a wide-range of globally ranked premium spirit brands, has partnered Premium Spirits Nigeria to expand the Premium Spirits Consumer Market in Nigeria.

    Premium Spirits Nigeria (PS Nigeria) is a business division of Nigeria’s leading bottler and distributor – Nigerian Bottling Company Limited, set up to grow and manage its premium spirits consumer category.

    Under the Edrington and PS Nigeria partnership, consumers will experience a wide-range of premium Scotch whiskies; including some of the world’s finest premium brands such as The Macallan, The Famous Grouse and Highland Park.

    Speaking during the media launch which was held in Lagos recently, the Director, Premium Spirits Nigeria, Idowu Adedoyin, explained that with this partnership, PS Nigeria will further drive value creation for this niche market. “Under this partnership, there would be expanded distribution of these brands.

    PS Nigeria would be wholly engaged in the sale and distribution of premium spirits pan Nigeria, with innovative plans to grow its product offerings to include other top globally ranked premium spirit brands to Nigerian consumers,” Adedoyin said.

    Speaking on the partnership, the Regional Director (Africa), Edrington, Derek Brown, revealed that the decision of the partnership is in recognition of the strength of PS Nigeria in its high distribution network and experience in the Nigerian market.

    “Over the years, Edrington has distinguished itself in the premium spirits segment in other markets where its brands are well established and is fully committed to marketing and promoting responsible drinking in line with local regulations”. Brown said.

    Adedoyin further stated that PS Nigeria would continue to engage Nigerian consumers across several platforms to create awareness, drive engagement and build brand affinity.

  • Cherry Little sole unveils kids’ footwear

    Cherry Little sole unveils kids’ footwear

    The CEO of Cherry Little Sole, Onosen Ekelemu, has  unveiled  a new collection of foot wears for kids.

    Speaking at the ceremony at Breadfruit House,Lagos Island,Ekelemu said that the idea was borne out of  passion for fashion and love for kids.

    “I love fashion, including shoes, clothes, and accessories. But this is just the first aspect that I am starting. Very soon, I will include children’s bags. Before I started this, whenever I travelled, I usually came home with extra luggage for my kids. I dressed my kids to an extent  that people looked at them twice and gave a good comment. This really inspired me to produce my own wear which will be for kids”

    Cherry Little Sole, she said, has been in existence for over a year but it recently decided to start making its own products.

    “We are a store that deals with kids’ shoes and bags. Initially, we started with brands like Adidas, Nike, Gucci and others,” she stated.

    According to her, the prices of the wears come in different ranges depending on the quality. She explained that the shoes come in different ranges with different prices.

    “A bag goes for as low as N3,500 to as high as N12,000, if not more because we are bringing in more items. As for shoes, you can also get them from N4,000 upwards. And of course you know this price may not necessarily be for the price for the wholesalers. It depends on the kind of shoes that we are talking about,” she emphasised.

    She added that although the outfit is quartered in Lagos, it also has wholesale points in major cities like Port Harcourt, Benin, Maduguri, Cotonu and other parts of Africa.

    The plan of Cherry is to move this to all the states in the country and from there to all African countries. I draw the design and style, how I want it to look. That’s what I spend my nights doing. I bring it out and I send pictures. Now we are considering the cost of shipping, as well as custom clearance; it is cheaper for me than producing here in Nigeria. But like I said, we are trying to put these strategies in place to see how we can produce here,” she told The Nation Shopping.

    Explaining how the shoes are made, she said that she sends the designs to the producers for mass production after which they are shipped back to Nigeria.

    ‘’But by mid next year, we are going to have this in Nigeria. We are already looking for a place where we are going to set up a factory and what I want to do is to get these expatriates into the country and of course, it’s going to help us to increase our technical knowhow in the country. This is because I’m not going to employ hundreds of expatriates. Maybe I’ll get two or three but I’ll get Nigerians here to work in the factory. And over time, they will learn it and then very soon, you will see that I can now comfortably tell you that I am producing this in Nigeria,” she reiterated.

    The CEO also announced that the store has beautiful goodies and price slash for her customers ahead of the yuletide.

    She spoke further:’’Apart from that, I have bags. We are doing a lot of red colours because that’s Christmas colour and that’s what everybody wants. We have already discounted a lot of prices.”

    She further pleaded with the government to look into the power sector because adequate power supply will ensure that the cost of production would come down.

    “Now even after considering the cost of shipping, custom clearance and all that, it is still cheaper to import than me having to produce here,” she said.

    The launch of the new product was an opportunity for the CEO to  also speak on multiple-taxation and how government can help entrepreneurs.

    “We have different kinds of taxes; we have import duty tax, duty LS, by the time you sum everything together, you are looking at 35 to 40% of the cost of the goods. When you are done with that, you look at the rental value of the shop, and how do you want to put in your own profit? And we also have customers like you   buying  the product  complaining about the challenges in the economy, the government has to look into that,” she lamented.

  • Yultide: Binatone dazzles customers with new products

    Yultide: Binatone dazzles customers with new products

    Electronic Manufacturer,   Binatone   Industries,   has   introduced   a   wide   range   of affordable and value for money quality products into the Nigerian electronics market to cater for the various needs of its many customers during the festive season.

    Unveiling the company’s products  for its teeming customers, Mr Banerjee said these would include the  first of its kind, innovative, new Binatone tower music fan with Bluetooth pairing, Designer ITAL 1660 Stand Fan , New 18″ stand fan ES1850, TS 2020 –unique high power 20″ stand fan, Blender model BLG 595 with unbreakable jug and ice crushing facility, JE 580 fresh juice extractor, a range of three litre and four litre jug Kettles and the energy efficient Ceramic Cooking Plate for quick heating and cooking. He stated that customers will also have the unique opportunity of buying Binatone’s new pressure pot with free transparent lid, new economy model table top gas cookers, heavyweight   and   high   power1200w   dry   irons,   economy   value   for   money   steam   irons,   and premium garment steamer for ironing “babaringa” and “boubou” clothes.

    To take care of destructive voltage fluctuation, he pointed out that the company has a large stock of quality and durable voltage stabilizers on table top as well as wall mount insertions and a range of uninterrupted power supply solutions

    ‘’Another opportunity awaits members of the public to buy Binatone’s top of the range products   during   the   yuletide   as   we   offer   assurance   to   our   customers   with   two   years warranty on every Binatone product.

    ‘’Binatone wants to use the opportunity of end of the year bonanza to encourage our teeming customers to shop for the Christmas and New Year celebrations” Mr Banerjee added.

  • OMAHA generating plant makes debut

    Grand Products Co. Limited said that it is partnering with government to make electricity more affordable and cheaper for Nigerians with the introduction of OMAHA generator into the market.

    The Executive Director of the company, S. E. Awachie, disclosed this while speaking in Lagos at the launch of the brand, stressing that with a population of 180 million, Nigeria is facing one of the world’s most formidable and intractable power problem. He said Grand products have put good resources together  to bridge gap between  portable generator and affordability.

    He noted that with the brand, one can be sure of buying a reliable and durable generator at surprisingly affordable price.

    The product has 13 hours fuel running concept, which is driven by American technology, with assurances that every machine and every spare-part are truly well manufactured in China.

    Similarly, Mr Bode Akinyimika, Operation Director, Powerflux Nigeria, who was the keynote speaker at the launch, charged Nigerians to appreciate the contributions of a company like Grand products, that is business to offer Nigerians qualitative alternative to Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN).

    He, therefore, praised the effort of the company, saying that  with more effort OMAHA generator is certain to be a success story in Nigeria.

    Akinyimika also said that people could be asking the question on the reason he is showing up in a competitor company event to talk on electricity. He said this is  because  he strongly believes in the product and that Grand products would make a difference in the market.

    Akinyimka therefore, charged distributors to  ensure that  the product get  to all families in Nigeria, because the brand is affordable.

  • Strategy for putting items on clearance

    Merchants need to maximise all available selling space to maintain the highest profit margins possible. To do so, they must implement a process for weeding out slow-selling items and replacing them with newer or more in-demand merchandise. Getting rid of the slow sellers quickly and efficiently requires a well-thought-out strategy for identifying and liquidating them.

     

    Item selection

    Experts have advised that retailers  have a clear-cut method of determining which items they need to discontinue, such as using inventory-control software to show where items rank in their particular product category. Even if an item has sold well in previous years, its failure to outsell other items may be a sign that it is headed for obsolescence. Hanging on to these previously successful items in hopes will rebound they say, could increase inventory costs and tie up precious selling and storage space.

     

    Timing

    Experts have also advised that it is important to review profits for items at the end of their particular selling season to determine slow movers and enhance the success of the clearance sale. For instance, marking down slow-moving park as at the middle of the year will likely yield better results than doing so at the end of the year.  Also, instead of cluttering sales space with out-season merchandise that generates little interest, retailers will have more room in for displaying seasonal items.

     

    Deepest discount first

    To move clearance merchandise quickly, it is wise to offer deepest discount first. The goal is to move discontinued merchandise out and cut losses, not necessarily to turn a profit, so a 50 percent markdown will generate much more interest than a 10 percent markdown. Generally, the slower an item sells, the deeper the retailer   makes the initial discount.

     

    Marketing

    If there are a number of items to clear out at once, experts have said it may be beneficial to hold a storewide clearance sale and advertise it through media outlets. This they say, can increase traffic through store and help build an identity as a source for bargains, if that image suits  overall marketing strategy. If a retailer operates more of an upscale establishment or have only a few clearance items, it is wise to set up a small clearance area or keep items on the shelf and identify them with a “special sale” sign.

  • Shoprite offers discounts in black Friday sales

    Shoprite offers discounts in black Friday sales

    As the festive season and end-of-year holidays get underway, Africa’s biggest retail giant Shoprite is said to be preparing to deliver an unbelievable Black Friday promotion.

    Read Also: Shoprite celebrates 22 winners of brand new cars

    Shoprite is using this opportunity to bring customers the special experience they look forward to all year; whether it’s stocking up on gifts for family and loved ones for the holidays or finding something to reward people at the end of the year. All items, the retail giant says, will be sold at up to 50 per cent discount.

  • Oxford rewards workers,gives plot of land to customers

    Oxford rewards workers,gives plot of land to customers

    Oxford Commercial Services International Limited has given awards to 13 members of its staff for their dedication and committment.

    Some of the awardees are: the Managing Director, Teni Adesanya, who won the Leadership Award; Head of Operation, Mr. Oti (Jonathan Business Leadership); Public Relations Officer, Mr. Lesli Ademola (Perfect Presence); Mr. Bayo Egbetokun (Excellence Award); Kunle Adesanya (Manager of the Year) and a host of others.

    At the ceremony, which held at Havanna Hotels and Suit, Egbeda, Lagos , recently,the firm also gave  out a free plot of land to one of its customers, Mrs. Akinbode Olajumoke, who won a raffle draw organised by the company to mark its first year anniversary.

    Apart from the free plot of land, located at Atan-Ota, Ogun State, with  receipt number 457, the outfit also gave out discounts ranging from 25 to 75 per cent as well as consolation prizes.

    When The Nation Shopping spoke with some of the winners, they expressed their gratitude to God and to Oxford Commercial Services.

    For instance, Mrs. Lateefat Abasi, who won a 50 per cent discount, expressed  gratitude to the company’s management. She said played the lottery with N1000 she borrowed from her friend, Mrs. Funmilayo Daudu.

    She said: “I’m so happy because I wasn’t expecting it. That is why it is good to be optimistic. It was my friend that lent me N1, 000  to subscribe for the land because I didn’t have enough money. I subscribed for half plot at Ewekoro, which costs N200,000 but now I will be paying N150,000.

    “It was Mrs. Toyin Adebayo, a staff of Oxford that spoke about the land promo to me yesterday and I just decided to come see how its being done,” she said.

    She said; “When Obatunde, a staff of Oxford, spoke about the land promo, some people said it was a scam. But I only came to see by myself if it’s real. I subscribed for Atan-Ota half plot worth of N175, 000 but now I will be given a full plot that cost N250, 000,” she said.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the firm’s Managing Director, Mr. Adesanya, said that the anniversary also coincided with the launch of its Oxford Flexy Housing Scheme.

    “The Oxford Flexy will give you opportunity to complete your payment in five years and allocation will be given to you immediately you pay your first instalment,” he explained.

  • SPAR Black Friday mega deals: Over 5,000 items on sale

    SPAR Black Friday mega deals: Over 5,000 items on sale

    •Hosts five musical concerts to celebrate wine, spirits & feer festival

    Hypermarket and Black Friday pioneer SPAR Nigeria has officially announced the 4th edition of its Black Friday shoppers delight.

    This year’s edition comes with bigger and better offers than last year’s, with over 5, 000 selected items up for sale. It also comes  with discount offers of up to 80 per cent as well as other benefits. Favourite items like electronics, laptops & accessories, wines & spirits, house hold items, perfumes, wrist watches, mobile phones, grocery and more will be available.

    SPAR Nigeria as the first brick & mortar store of its kind to occupy this event in Nigeria, aspires to always bring happiness to the hearts of loyal shoppers at this traditional event that holds every last Friday of November globally.

    Since inception in 2014, the SPAR Nigeria Black Friday bonanza is said to have blazed the trail by not only being the pioneer of Black Friday sales, but also providing consumers with the best discount offers.

    Management of the Hypermarket is urging shoppers to gear up for the most competitive offers that will be available in SPAR stores nationwide. The bonanza promises to be fun for friends and family, even as the yuletide season approaches when several items which are already on sale are the very necessities shoppers need to have a memorable season.

    Commenting on SPAR Nigeria’s Black Friday, its Head of Marketing , Mr John Goldsmith, stated: “When we started, we took the leap of faith as this was something that had never been done before in Nigeria. The first year was basically meant for testing the market; we were looking to see the response of the Nigerian market towards the sales. In our first year, the promos lasted for three days and we received positive responses across the country that exceeded our expectations. This year the number of items that are up for sale have doubled compared to the last couple of years, so we are pretty excited for the outcome.”

    Speaking further on the sales bonanza, he noted that from the beginning of the year, shoppers had begun making enquiries on when the next Black Friday will come up. “Our customers deserve value along with quality products and we at SPAR Nigeria desire to make sure we fulfill every expectation,” he said.

    Also, as Nigeria’s leading chain of hypermarket stores and organisers of the Wine Spirits & Beer Festival, SPAR Nigeria has brought its exciting drinks festival to a new height with five power-packed musical concerts across the country.

    As part of the Wine, Spirits and Beer Festival 2017, SPAR Nigeria treated shoppers across Enugu, Calabar, Port Harcourt and Lagos to musical concerts parading favourite artists and performers.

    The leading hypermarket partnered with major spirits and beer brands namely Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Campari, Guinness and Nigerian Breweries for the concerts.

    The anchor brands ensured the line-up of major artistes; Smirnoff anchored the musical concerts in Enugu and Calabar with major artists such as DJ Spinall, Ill Bliss, Zoro, Slowdogs and MI to a resounding crowd.

    The musical event in Port Harcourt was co-hosted by Campari, which drew large crowds. 2baba, Duncan Mighty, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Kelly Handsome, Harrysong alongside a host of other artistes entertained the crowd to the wee hours of the night.

    Courtesy of the anchor brands, guests were treated to exotic cocktails, drinks and tasty finger foods as they enjoyed the best hits from their favorite artistes.

    The entry to concerts was linked to purchase of a specific brand of spirits and beer from SPAR stores during the six weeks long  festival. The entry passes were also awarded to the winners of the online contest on the various participating brands.

    Alongside SPAR, all major sponsors of the concerts expressed delight at both the turnout and profound patronage by shoppers throughout the festival. Though hosted individually with SPAR, the brands agreed that collaboration will continue to play a major role in modern retail.

    SPAR’s spokesperson, Mr. John Goldsmith, stated thus: “We are very happy with the success of the wine, spirits and beer festival and delighted with the grand success of the musical concerts across five locations. We express our gratitude to the partnering brands for the support in pulling up such a major concert.

    Participants were completely enthralled throughout the event. They had a great time enjoying mouth-watering cocktails, great food, rib-cracking comedy, mixology sessions and of course, stage performances from various artistes in an electric atmosphere.

    Goldsmith said SPAR looks forward to strengthening the partnership with the brands with many of such festivals in the future.

  • Flash-sale sites taking business from luxury retailers

    Flash-sale sites taking business from luxury retailers

    Wealthy consumers are among the most active online shoppers. Most luxury brands have been slowed to offer the white-glove treatment expected by their online customers. As a result, lesser-known retailers, flash-sale sites and mass merchandisers have moved in to take market share.

    Experts have said many luxury brands are relying too much on their reputation. Affluent consumers expect luxury retailers’ websites to replicate the same shopping experience they offer in their stores.

    But, according to experts, many luxury brands have been slowed to launch full transactional websites, creating the risk of alienating a customer base with growing interest in online shopping.

    Experts have also said alternative destinations are making inroads with the new breed of luxury shoppers, who make purchase decisions based on value and information rather than brand image. Wealthy consumers are among a new breed of online shoppers, who are not easily swayed by marketing hype. They feel empowered by the internet and diligently research online to find good deals and assess product quality. And they feel entitled to a superior online shopping experience with rich visual content and high-class treatment.

  • Delivery company launches Despatch.com

    A new delivery service company, Despatch, is set to launch in Lagos.

    Founded by the quartet of OwadaraAdekunle, Odugbesan Abimbola, Sogo Dasilva and SeunAdeleke, the  company will  cater for individuals and businesses operating in the country.

    Users are to log on the company’s website, www.despatch.com.ng and input details of parcels and goods they want delivered.

    Despatch is poised to address the lapses of delivery outfits, according to a statement from the company.

    “Understanding that transport is an important enabler of trade, there are so many businesses that sell several goods but are unable to compete with the already made online businesses,” the statement said.

    “Our platform aims to partner with several upcoming delivery services and so far, have been able to get them come on as delivery partners.”

    Early users would not be charged for processing fee.