The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • Konga unveils shopping catalogues

    Konga unveils shopping catalogues

    For the convenience of shoppers, Konga Online Shopping Limited has birthed Konga Daily, a catalogue that seeks to meet every shopper’s daily needs – perishables and non-perishables alike.

    At the unveiling, the Chairman, Konga Online Shopping Ltd, Sim Shagaya, said: “Konga is a child that has grown and blossomed and the results of the past five years has been outstanding. Groceries are the most difficult to manage as they have to do with the day to day needs of shoppers. This means that shoppers require them to be delivered quickly and in the best condition and for this to work, a robust delivery system must already be in place. While Konga Daily is a logistically-challenging project, we are committed to seeing excellent results achieved as our logistics network is one of the best in the country. We are excited to go on this journey with shoppers.”

    Also, the firm’s Chief Executive Officer, Shola Adekoya, said: “Groceries form an integral part of the daily needs of the average Nigerian and our re-entry into this category, which, incidentally, we started with in 2012, is due to our commitment to adding value to our customers even in the seemingly mundane needs as food.”

    He continued: “Our logistics support is tremendous as we have built a logistics infrastructure that will support the delivery of any order placed on the Konga Daily platform within 24 hours. Our payment system – KongaPay also ensures that shoppers get discounts when they choose KongaPay as the payment option.”

    On ease of use, Adekoya said: “Shoppers can even create a shopping list that they can update as they choose.’’

  • Trade exhibitions: The new fad in networking

    Trade exhibitions: The new fad in networking

    Retailers and chain store operators are making brisk businesses and deals by connecting with old and prospective customers at specialised trade exhibitions, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Sales and marketing are gradually changing. It is now a trend for salespersons to tie up a business transaction with ease.

    To achieve this feat, they don’t rely on the traditional marketing platforms but literally think off the box.

    Enter trade exhibitions. Yes, proactive business people come up with various strategies for trade development with the objective of boosting trade by connecting shoppers with products of their choice.

    One of such is the Guaranty Trust Bank Food and Drink Fair which, like the Lagos International Trade Fair, has also become a yearly event.

    The recently-held two-day event offered small businesses in the  food industry a free and vibrant platform to connect with a wider segment of their target markets as well as experts in their business fields.

    The second edition of the fair, which at GTBank head office, Akin Adesola Street, Victoria Island, Lagos, last week.

    For food lovers, and shoppers, it was, indeed, a place to be. From sales exhibitions by small businesses in the food industry to cooking MasterClasses chaperoned by some of the most renowned international and indigenous chefs, the presentation room of the GTBank head office was filled with an array of all manner of items used in the hospitality and food industry.

    Among the exhibitors were internationally renowned chefs. Owners of small businesses and sales exhibitions by small businesses. Last year’s edition of the GTBank Food and Drink Fair had over 90 exhibitors from the food sector and attracted more than 25,000 guests.

    But this year’s edition expanded on the favourite features of the previous event, such as MasterClasses led by internationally renowned chefs and sales Exhibitions by small businesses.

    It also provided new and exciting features such as a Farmers’ Market, where small and medium scal enterprises (SMEs) in agriculture showcased and sold fresh and organic farm products, and a Baking Masterclass for children. There were diverse restaurants offering mouth-watering dishes, outdoor grills and thrilling entertainment as well as savoury wine tastings to enable attendees experience exciting and eclectic mix of undiscovered brands and household names alike.

    Also noteworthy were enticing exhibitions and amazing sales at the heart of the Food and Drink fair offered by over 100 SMEs in the food industry who were provided with free storefronts. Geared towards promoting indigenous agriculture and supporting small businesses, the exhibition provided a platform for SMEs to showcase a wide variety of products ranging from fresh organic groceries to dry foods, confectionary and pastries, ready to eat consumables and drinks as well as top quality crockery.

    Expectedly, it was not only an avenue to connect sellers and buyers, but also a money-making avenue. It was a platform to showcase the best farm produce which were on sale at the fair.

    Small businesses involved in agriculture brought a wide range of locally farmed fresh foods, giving shoppers a farm market experience.

    Amid music and entertainment, a convivial atmosphere and colourful displays, shoppers had a good time and a lot to eat. Some were on hand to patronise the sellers. Others came to ‘window shop’ and have a feel of the occasion.

    Some came to learn new skills, just as others came to discover some recipes. Miss Abosede Akoberu, a shopper, was visibly excited.”I have looked forward to attending this event. I knew I would be able to learn how to make some international recipe and I am happy I have achieved that.”

    The varieties of cuisines at the fair were such that shoppers could munch their ways around the world. Food lovers loosen their belt for the gastronomic delights that was served by a diverse restaurants offering mouth-watering dishes. Those who love drinks had savoury wine tastings and finely mixed cocktails.

    The MasterClasses were led by internationally renowned Chefs, such as Raphael Duntoye, chef patron of la petite maison, famous food and fitness expert Kevin Curry, TV chef and pop-up restaurateur – Lerato Umah-Shaylor and renowned food blogger, Jehan Powell.

    Other Masterchef headliners included Ronke Edoho, founder of 9jafoodie.com, Nkesi Enyioha, owner of HSE Café, Chef Abiola Akanji of Red Dish Chronicles and Chef Benedict Okuzu, the West African Chef Ambassador for German home appliance brand, “Miele.”

  • Repackaged Ruzu Bitters unveiled

    A product, Ruzu Herbal Bitters, has been repackaged and reintroduced into the market.

    The rebranding moved the product from its former 350ml size to 500ml and the former 125ml to 200ml.

    2W Limited, sole distributors of product’s Managing Director, Mr. Adeolu Akinyemi at its unveiling in Lagos, said the rebranding was to ensure that consumers had access to a top quality brand, enjoy more volume and  achieve better health.

    Akinyemi, whose aim is to see Ruzu Herbal Bitters becomes the country’s best gift to the world, noted: “Ruzu Herbal Bitters is a 100 per centt natural, 100 per cent made-in-Nigeria herbal bitters and popularly called “nature’s pure marvel”. It has been in the market  since 2014 and continues to grow in leaps and bounds. The herbal bitters is known to help with mopping up oxidative stress in the body, a condition that leads to cellular damage and research shows to be the underlying cause behind major ailments around the world.”

    He added that the firm has recorded testimonies from the product’s users with over 200 recorded testimonies available on You Tube with more shared privately.

    “Ruzu Herbal Bitters comes in as an affordable and effective way to help Nigerians live a healthy life. Made with three major herbs, Ruzu stands tall in the herbal space in Nigeria and being exported to other countries, including United States, he said.

    The firm’s Marketing Manager, Temitope Akinyemi, added that thousands of distributors make extra income of between N10,000 and N3million monthly in commission from the company aside the income they make from retail distribution. According to her, the firm has creating a platform for entrepreneurship and giving back to the world.

    She said the company recently launched a Home Ownership Plan that enables distributors to grow through a proven system.

    “In doing this, they qualify for all expense-paid trips, brand new cars and ultimately a house worth N30million. This is the first time in the history of multi-level distribution in Nigeria that a company will be promising such largesse and also walking the talk,” she added.

    Top distributors were rewarded with gifts ranging from microwave ovens, television, washing machine, burner gas cookers, phones to apple laptops.

  • Infinix Mobility introduces first Wefie smartphone ‘Infinix S2’

    Infinix Mobility introduces first Wefie smartphone ‘Infinix S2’

    • Africa’s first Dual front camera smartphone

    Infinix Mobility ushers in its first product for the year with the world’s first wefie smartphone; the Infinix S2!

    The new smartphone is the second product from the brand’s hugely successful lifestyle ‘HOT S’ series. The phone is available on Jumia.com.ng and also at all Infinix partner stores nationwide and comes in four unique fashionable colours ranging from Black, Blue, Sunset pink and Champagne Gold

    The ‘Infinix S2’ marks new innovation and also lifestyle upgrade for consumers with the introduction of a Dual front camera which reinvents the notion of selfies bringing about a whole new concept now known as the ‘Wefie’.

    The first smartphone crafted with ‘Wefie’ functionalities helps users capture the best moments with their group of friends and is also infused with beautification features all crafted into its 8MP and 13MP dual front cameras. The camera quality also covers 135 degrees wide angle for the perfect Wefie.

    According to Bruno Li Regional Country Manager Infinix Mobility, “Infinix S2 is the first of its kind in Africa and we are always happy to bring the best innovation to our fans. Also unveiling artist ‘Runtown’ as the product face who is fashionable and trendy, he has the perfect personality for the product with his large fan base eager to take on ‘Wefie’. He also represents young & vibrant youths excited about technology innovation.”

    Infinix S2 comes in two variations, the S2 & S2 Pro featuring Dual front 8MP and 13MP cameras with front flash (Wefie), 13mp back camera, 4G (LTE), Octa core processor, 16GB + 2GB – 3GB RAM, 5.2 HD Screen, 3000mah battery, XOS 2.2  (Infinix user interface) on Android 6.0 Marshmallow.

  • Traders woo back-to-school shoppers

    Traders woo back-to-school shoppers

    Shoppers are taking advantage of the back-to-school sales to get good deals on a range of products, thus ending this year’s first quarter with good bargains, writes TONIA ‘DIYAN

    For shoppers who think school runs are meant only for pupils and parents, they had better have a rethink!

    This is because there are opportunities for all, especially discerning shoppers.

    The atmosphere around shopping places is such that has awakened retail stores by parents seeking cheap bargains with which to send their wards to school.

    Mrs Alonge Morakinyo is not one of such parents but she is using the opportunity to find some good deals.

    “I have always thought back-to-school sales are only for parents and students, I would have been missing out on some good deals,” said Mrs Morakinyo, a nurse with Fineday Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.

    “Sure, the adverts this time of the year might go heavy on the backpacks and other back to school items, but those of us without kids (and not currently enrolled in higher education) only need to look past the brightly coloured stuff to find deep discounts on products anyone can use,” she said.

    Upbeat, Mrs Morakinyo said, “I’ve seen deals on everything from electronics to office supplies, and even paper towels.” While advising other shoppers she said, there are four great back-to-school buys that non-students should consider visiting, especially electronics stores, office supply stores, big-box stores, and online retailers who typically run sales on laptops as part of their back-to-school deals.

    For Mrs. Agatha Alozie, a mother, preparation for going back to school occurs throughout the year. This is the only way, she says, she avoids being hit with an enormous back to school bill.

    She is aware that if a parent has one or more children, with a little planning and lot of creativity, such parent can find plenty of deals when it is time to buy back-to-school supplies.

    But this, she said, was easier said than done. In Lagos after schools’ resumption, many parents wake up to the fact that they need to shop for their children’s school supplies.

    This is a period when book sellers are flourishing, as they endeavour to stock virtually every school book customers may ask for.

    Several book stores within Lagos have dealers beckoning on interested buyers. From all indications, they are adequately prepared to ensure that students get their desired back-to-school supplies. Most retail shops have tags reading ‘back-to-school specials’ promising to give ample discounts.

    Other common sale items are printers which can be found at office supply stores, such as ‘Office everything’. Deals on gadgets are popular this time of year. There are deals on USB drives and headphones as schools reopens.

    However, experts have advised that it is important to skip buying any smaller office supplies online as the added cost of shipping would likely knock out the discount attached to such item.

    This seems to be the time of year to stock up on printer paper . It is also a good time to stock up on household goods which are on sale every week during the back-to-school season. There are also deals on hand sanitiser, toilet paper, paper towels, and other items targeted towards school children.

    While most sales are geared toward school-age children, many clothing retailers offer storewide sales during this season. Mr P offers about 50 percent off, with extra savings on khakis, T-shirts, and jeans. People who are looking to show their support for their favourite college team, would find the back-to-school season a good time to stock up on team-branded apparel.

    Shoe retailers online also offer sitewide sales, including adult sizes. There are deals on sandals and athletic shoes, as well as a smattering of discounts for buying multiple pairs. Most footwear retailers are offering buy one, get one half off deals on many items.

  • Stores’ Easter freebies delight shoppers

    Stores’ Easter freebies delight shoppers

    Despite the lingering economic recession, retail store operators are giving a lot of freebies to woo shoppers at Easter. TONIA D’IYAN, who went to town, captures the frills and thrills of the festivities

    Good Friday usually heralds the Easter festivities. This Easter is not an exception as people  usually seize the opportunity of the occasion to meet their relations, friends and relive    cherished moments amid feasting.

    Alongside the get-together, gifts play an important role. The modern markets and malls are usually flooded with various gifts.

    Recreation parks, museums, cinemas, shopping malls and other tourist attractions will simmer as people will take advantage of the public holiday to spend time with their families and loved ones.

    During festivities, it is assumed that economic activities usually witness upsurge, which result in upward adjustment of prices of consumer goods. Some natural factors have also affected buying and selling.

    Higher food prices continue to reflect the impact of recent floods on the production of farm products, resulting in difficulty in moving these food products to markets across the country, competition in the market is another major factor observed, but the reason for such during  periods like this, is the notion of this is our time to make more money.

    A buyer, Mrs. Emmanuella Ukomadu, told The Nation: “Since I have been coming to Mile 12 market to buy foodstuffs during festive periods like this, prices of foodstuffs are always on the high side. I think it is because of the high demand by more people who prefer  to buy goods than when there is no festival; that always forces the prices to up and people seem to be used to that.”

    Despite the fear of price hike, buyers who patronise shopping malls have little fear as most  retailers at malls operate discount sales, especially during festive periods like this. But     customers who want to make bulk purchase of food items for the celebration may not find shopping malls ideal.

    Therefore, to encourage sales, some of these retail shops have launched attractive sales promo to drive sales this season. A cross session of buyers, who spoke with The Nation at Ikeja City Mall expressed their fears.

    A stock broker in Lagos, Mrs. Cynthia Ihianacho, said: “You know shopping at malls during festive period is more of a family thing. If we need to buy food items for a party, you know this place is not the best to buy cartons of frozen chicken. You have to go to the open market

    like Ketu and Mile 12. But you can come here to shop for convenience goods. Or bring your  family here to have lunch and pick one or two convenience goods at a good discount.”

    Also, an accountant with Meristem Insurance, Mr Adekoya Shoaga said: “Most retail chains like Shoprite operate on the best low price policy. There is no sales increase panic during festive periods unlike the open market for staple foods, where speculations lead to price increase. But rather, most retail chains compete through price war. That is why they come up with one sales bonanza or the other during festive periods. I am not worried at all.”

    Though Lagosians are complaining about the high cost of food items, there appears to be no significant drop in patronage of these food items because people have to feed to celebrate Easter.

    According to some food stuffs traders, business is booming and more people are coming for foodstuffs as they can’t do without it, whether during festivity or not.

    A consumer behaviour specialist, who preferred to remain anonymous,  advised consumers to prioritise their needs and make the best purchase decisions within their limited resources during festive periods. He also advised that people should operate within their limited resources to avoid cash crunch after  the celebration when money is scarce to attend to family needs.

     

  • Big Cola Nigeria launches energy drink

    BIG Cola Nigeria has unveiled an energy drink called Big Volt into the market.

    At the launch, the firm’s Brand Manager, Theo Williams said the new drink is an exclusive product produced for Nigerians to renew it strength after a hard day at work.

    He said the drink would make consumers feel that they could rely on the producers for their choice of drink.

    “Hence, we make them also feel energy drink is affordable without competing with other expensive drinks in the market.” he said

    Williams said the new brand is  different in size, shape and taste from other ones.

    He said the new brand was not about being the biggest in the market, rather it provides masses the opportunity to feel the good taste of quality.

    Williams said: “I don’t want to be the biggest but I want to give a bigger product that would thrive so that people would appreciate the content.

    ‘’We have change the face of our soft drinks from every other in the market. Also, our product are as well affordable for an ordinary man on the street,’’ he added.

    Williams advised its marketers to be sincere with the rate at which the new product would be sold to consumers, adding that the 20 per cent discount offered them was enough.

    He warned them against selling at a higher price and that this could affect sales.

    He praised their consistency, commitment and support over the years.

  • Chivita 100% to boost breakfast unveiled

    CHI Limited, Nigeria’s market leader in fruit juices and diary and producer of the only 100percent fruit juice brand, has unveiled its new marketing communication campaign tagged ‘#Breakfast With Chivita 100%.

    It is part of efforts to reinforce its flagship’s brand proposition and drive awareness initiatives for an healthy breakfast. For a brand that has consistently churned out various  campaigns, the new #breakfastwithChivita100% television advertisement is a step higher in terms of messaging, production quality and unique delivery style.

    The television ad showcases the creativity and strategic intent of the brand managers as  every Chivita 100% fruit juice is portrayed with  imageries. It also showcases renowned football stars, such as Wayne Rooney, Juan Mata, Marcus Rashford and Eric Bailly.

    The television commercial, which is being aired on terrestrial and satellite channels, portrays a brilliant depiction of these football stars engaging in amazing soccer artistry as they are teleported into a Pinball machine. Wayne Rooney challenges his team mates and they take up the challenge with the goal of reaching 100% success in the game. This goal resonates with the brand’s value of 100% commitment and achievement. It also reiterates the refreshing and nourishing value of the fruit Juice as an addition for a breakfast.

    Through its new campaign, which is on television, digital, out-of-home, consumer activation and point of sales, Chivita 100% seeks to be at the forefront of healthy breakfast narrative in the minds of consumers.

    Renowned for its no preservatives, no sugar, artificial colour, Chivita 100% fruit juice is a convenient, delicious, healthy and nutritious addition to breakfast as it is easy to digest and wakes up the body metabolism with a steady influx of natural fruit sugars. It is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to ramp up your energy levels in the morning.

    Head of Marketing, Chi Limited, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya,  said: “The new #breakfastwithchivita100% television ad is part of our strategic effort to highlight the importance of a complete and healthy breakfast to consumers.

    ‘’We understand the role a creative television commercial can play in influencing consumer choice to live a healthier life and have spared nothing to ensure only the best television advertisement and product is out there for our consumers.’’

  • Infinix Mobility partners Guinness

    Infinix Mobility partners Guinness

    Infinix Mobility, Nigeria’s leading smartphone brand, is partnering Guinness Nigeria, to bring football lovers premium entertainment during the EPL season with the ‘Matchday Made Of Black’ activation.

    The deal for the activation during the EPL season started last month and has made stopovers in Lagos and Owerri. It will tour three more cities in the coming month while Infinix will offer fans gifts.

    ‘’This is a first for Infinix as the partnership brings the brand closer to its fans in some of the biggest cities in Nigeria and also fans who share common love for football,’’ Olamide Amosu, Communication Manager, Infinix Mobility, said.

    “Infinix aims to empower fans and consumers during this EPL season and we are able to do so with Matchday Made of Black Activation. We welcome everyone to participate in the cities we are visiting with loads of gifts to be won in April and May.

    “Consumers being at the centre of the brand is what Guinness has always been known for,” Rob Hobart, Marketing Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, said.

    “The Matchday Made of Black activations is no different as it is simply giving consumers a different experience of the two things they love most- Guinness and Football.

    ‘’Lagosians had the first taste of it and we moved to Owerri to give consumers nothing but the best football experience in a way only Guinness can. There are two things you can be sure will always bring Nigerians together, Football and theirfavorite Guinness. What better way to show this than an infusion of Guinness and Football.’’

    ‘’As a brand,” he continued, “We celebrate those who are made of black- those who continually carve their own path without inhibitions. Football is one of the media where our consumers get rid of all inhibitions and as a brand; we cannot but stay true to their passion.”

    Customers and fans should expect more from the Guinness ‘Matchday Made of Black’ with Infinix as the tour continues.

    This month, both brands will visit Enugu for the Chelsea vs Man Utd match on Sunday, Benin for the Tottenhamvs Arsenal match on April 29 and the final stop in Ibadan for the Arsenal Vs Man Utd match on  May 6.

    There will be lots of gifts to be won at all Guinness viewing centres during the activation. Fans will win free Infinix smartphones and accessories courtesy of Infinix Mobility,, the firm said.

  • Online marketing boom for retailers

    Online marketing boom for retailers

    For retailers desirous of making sales without incurring unnecessary costs on advertising, online marketing aided by the social media is the way to go, reports TONIA ‘DIYAN

    Trading through online platforms and the social media networks is helping retailers have a wider reach to their prospective customers, both at home and abroad. This is because the barrier of distance can be successfully broken, making it possible to strike business deals, trade and shop with anyone.

    Besides, online platforms help to create mutual relationship between sellers and buyers, which gives both parties a first-hand communication where feedbacks from customers are guaranteed. For retailers, who transact business online, the feedbacks help to improve their services and maintain cordial relationship with their customers.

    Retailers, who do business online are at an advantage as they become easily accessible to all classes of people because of their activeness in the virtual society.

    Moving with the trend of trading online, convenience and time saving factor has made it possible for buyers to order their desired goods in the comfort of their homes.

    Raphael Afaedor, co-founder/ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Supermart.ng, a grocery online store, saw the need to solve many everyday problems of households in Nigeria, especially Lagos, hence, he started Supermart.ng.

    “I have observed the stress people go through in order to shop for groceries,” he said.

    He continued: “Most times people move from one shop to another or visit the local market to buy local ingredients. This is due to the unstructured nature of the traditional retail and wholesale system.”

    Afaedor, who was a co-founder and managing director of Jumia.com.ng, from March 2012 to January 2014, partnered leading supermarkets and local markets and has developed the largest one-stop online market for customers to shop from over 60,000 items and have it delivered to them within three hours across Lagos.

    According to him, the initial response from people was not encouraging as most were reluctant, but later came to trust the system. From what it used to be when it started a few years ago, Afam Ayika, former Marketing Manager, Jumia Nigeria. said there has been significant progress.

    “For instance earlier in 2012 e-commerce sites were recording 2,000 orders per day. Between 2012 and now some of us have had an exponential growth to the tune of 100,000 orders per day and record over 50 per cent growth month-on-month. The major thing is to put in place a structure that customers can trust. For instance, Supermart.ng has put a system in place that customers can trust to deliver their groceries to them as early as three hours without any hitch,” he said.

    Speaking of challenges, the traditional wholesale and retail system is not organised. This is visible in the fact that it is quite hard for someone to get everything he or she wants in just one supermarket. Therefore, what these online stores have done is to partner leading supermarkets and local markets.

    According to operators, it ensures that customers can buy their groceries and everyday essentials (local and imported products) at one address online and have them delivered to their homes and offices in a short time. And with just a click a person can access everything he needs from the comfort of his home without having to move from one market to another.

    Another challenge, according to them, was logistics, especially in Lagos, where there is the fear of the unpredictable traffic situation.

    The traffic situation is a challenge both to the customers and to the e-commerce companies. For the customers, it is a discouraging factor from going to the stores. For the e-commerce companies, it accounts for their delay in delivery.

    Traditionally, it takes two to 10 days for orders to be delivered to customer’s doorstep. However, this approach cannot be used for groceries, considering that most of the orders are needed the same day. In view of that, what some operators have done was to embark on adequate city research to understand the flow of traffic so that they are able to deliver groceries in the shortest possible time against all odds. During the last fuel scarcity when telecoms companies and banks were shutting down, online stores still delivered and did not fail in their delivery promise.