The Nation Newspaper

Category: Shopping

  • More modern markets emerge

    More modern markets emerge

    Shopping malls have come to stay in the country. More malls are daily springing up across the major cities and towns of the country.  Anambra State’s commercial cities of Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka are hosting new shopping malls,  TONIA ‘DIYAN and Odogwu Emeka Odogwu report.  

    The past few years have seen the rise of modern shopping malls in Nigeria with Shoprite setting the pace. It is just a natural progression from what has always been a way of life for an average Nigerian who is known to be a great spender.

    Since the first shopping mall, The Palms,Lekki-Lagos landed in the country in 2005, the number of shopping malls have continuously been on the increase. Cities, such as  Ibadan, Ilorin, Abuja, Enugu and now Onitsha, Nnewi and Akwa can boast of modern shopping facilities that have brought  tremendous transformation in the way people now shop.

    The potential buying power of Nigerians has been recognised by the outside world. Foreign firms have now realised that there is a lot of wealth in the country and had seen the neccessity to build modern  markets, despite the existence of challenges such as dearth of infrastructure and access to land. According to experts, the availability of suitable land for siting shopping mall continues to be a challenge as the appropriate location remained an issue.

    Former Chief Executive Officer, Broll Nigeria, Erejuwa Gbadebo, said the financial institutions must support projects such as shopping malls with finance.

    According to her, shopping mall projects create jobs and leads to the rejuvenation of the micro economy around places where they are sited.

    The new shopping malls

    Global leader in retailing business, Shoprite is set to open more retail malls in major cities in Anambra State. It will start from Onitsha, then move to Awka and Nnewi.

    While that of Onitsha has attained 75 per cent completion, that of Awka and Nnewi are at various stages of completion. The Awka mall is located at the site of the old Ikenga Hotel in Awka, the state capital.

    Governor Peter Obi is happy about the projects. This is because the malls will provide alternative shopping avenues for expatriates and other prominent Nigerians that will lodge in the three international hotels and resorts as well as the convention centres he is building in the three cities.

    At the moment, Shoprite is the favourite and would be charged with the responsibility of supervising other tenants but other big names in shopping mall business have also indicated interest in opening branches in Onitsha, Nnewi and Awka especially now that Obi has provided a level playing field for all players.

    The Onitsha Mall is located at the side of the Onitsha Hotel and Convention Centre. It is situated on a vast land that boasts enough space for the level of commercial activities the mall will expectedly host.

    The governor promised to provide facilities to boost activities in the area, including dualisation of Park Road, the access road to the complex which he has done.

    From the foundation laying structures on ground, it is clear that the shopping malls are big and ultra-modern. The state is constructing the malls in partnership with African Capital Alliance under Private-Public Partnership (PPP).

    Obi said it is in line with his commitment to the transformation of Anambra State, which, according to him, included returning Onitsha to its past glory as the number one commercial city in Nigeria that wil host the biggest market in West Africa.

    Financing the projects

    The Attorney-General of the State, Peter Afuba said Governor Obi has put in a lot on the project, to be financed jointly by African Capital Alliance and Anambra State Government through Private Public Partnership (PPP).  He explained that after the construction, Shoprite would serve as anchor for tenants.

    A Senior Manager with African Capital Alliance, Mr Osita Okonkwo said the project would cost over $30 million, with 15,000 sq. meter of shopping and retail spaces.  He said the money was coming from  international financial institution as foreign direct investment (FDI) and that it was not possible to  attract such money to Anambra State before Governor Obi.

    He added that it is now possible for the state to attract FDI now  because of the enthronement of stability and good governance which have been made possible by the governor.

    He recalled how Obi visited Shelter Afrique in Kenya, when he was and how he showed passion for the growth and development of the state.

    Obi said:  ”Many big organisations wanted to hold their Annual General Meetings (AGMs) in Awka. They want to hold it in Onitsha, the largest and biggest market in Africa or Nnewi, the Japan of Africa but were deterred by the absence of befitting hotels and convention centres. Now, history is being made as we put these facilities in place.”

    Also, on the finance to complete the shopping malls as the tenure of his administration is about to lapse, he said the government had saved enough money to see the projects through to completion.

    Obi said: “We have conceived them (the projects) since and saved enough money to see them through. Just watch and see what will happen. Not just these two, we are starting the Governor’s Lodge, legislative and judiciary buildings in few days. We have the resources to execute them. We have the resources to aggressively execute and complete the many projects, including road projects we are working on.

    “It is my belief that a governor should work for his people unceasingly.  Many people wonder why I keep working and flagging-off projects even when I am supposed to be winding up, but I believe a governor should work for his people in season and out of season.  I shall continue to work till I handover, especially to make things easier for my successor.”

    Already, the state government will expand parts of Awka road, and further widen the access road to Onitsha International Shopping Mall in addition to the ongoing dualisation of the Park Road, GRA.

    There would be an Amusement Park built in the area in line with on-going upgrading of infrastructure in Onitsha and environs.

    Shoprite plans

    A representative of the Shoprite Group, Mr Gerald Frits, said when functional, the mall will reduce the cost of goods as they would be working with local farmers in the state. Mr. Frits said the facility would also provide a lot of employment opportunities and commended the vision of Governor Obi in attracting high class investments to the state.

    Obi warned contractors working on projects in the state, especially on the shopping malls, to sit up and face their jobs squarely or face severe sanctions.

    ”My government does not owe any contractor. We have enough money for our projects and only demand from contractors to be fast, with assurances that any certificate generated would be paid for. But for those who are not serious for reasons only themselves know, we will not hesitate to revoke their contracts,”Obi said.

    These three shopping malls will add a difference to the lives of the super rich and middle class who once in a while travel out of the state to do their shopping as well as visitors to the state.

  • Buyam.com adds more merchants to platform

    Buyam.com adds more merchants to platform

    Since online shopping has become more affordable, desirable and accessible to a wider range of people, Buyam.com.ng has added more merchants to its growing repertoire of online stores.

    Its Managing Director, Emeka Mordi said the latest addition of merchants to the site is the company’s commitment to ensuring that its customers have diverse range of products and services to choose from.

    He also noted that in the last couple of months, it carried out a survey and have worked closely with our partners and customers in a bid to understanding the things they want.

    “We have come to realise that majority of our customers want to shop for different products, in different places, but at the same time; and this is the unique platform that Buyam offers them.

    “With the cost of accessing the internet dropping every day, it seems, e-commerce is fast becoming the way to do business, especially as you marry the online experience with the growing, aspirational middle class and a growing variety of payment options. With the value of e-commerce standing at around N225billion, and continuing to grow rapidly, it is a sector that expects to see a lot of positive movement, in terms of new players in the coming years. And these are developments that we are looking forward to at Buyam.com, Mordi said.

    On the metrics for selecting merchants on the site, he said Buyam.com will accommodate any type of merchant; from those who have massive inventories like Park N Shop to smaller businesses with less extensive stock, cognisant of the fact that the customers have varied needs. To effectively meet their needs, merchants must provide as much diversity in stock and brands.

    “For them, it is also a win-win situation as we are built from the ground up with the Nigerian merchant in mind. Whether small or large, they all get the same level of fantastic service from our extremely professional and efficient service team,” he said.

    Buyam.com.ng has quietly and quickly built an impressive resume of who is who in the Nigerian Retail space and is consolidating its position with the new offerings in the year with the addition of mega store Cash ‘N’ Carry to its bulging list of merchants. Small to mid-sized brands, such as The 1k Arcade, Bible Wonderland, Fuel Doctor, Costoonz, Fig Health Store, 1407 Style, Belle Vista Investments and a host of others; are enjoying the offer, bringing the number of individual retailers to nearly 120.

  • LG delights shoppers with 21st century TVs

    The 21st century’s TV innovation landscape represents one of the most dynamic times for picture quality given the emergence of new cutting edge technologies able to render imagery as never before, LG Electronics has said.

    According to the household electronics manufacturer, the future of TV market/industry is driven by three key technologies at the moment the light emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD) TVs. These use light-emitting diodes to light up the LCD screen and offer the widest array of price points, sizes and features. LCD TVs still exhibit imperfections when displaying rapid motion, as in sports and because of the nature of the technology, the color black is represented by dark grey.

    The firm, in a statement said, said in a bid to encourage quality viewership, iconic consumer technology trade highlights that while the high definition (HD)TV market landscape is undergoing more changes than ever, it will take some time to see which technologies and market strategies that eventually stick.

    General Manager, Home Entertainment Division, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Steve Ryu, said: “Both Ultra HD, organic light emitting diode (OLED) and the effect of new game-changers such as intuitive OS and curved screens will all have their part to play besides higher resolution, panel technology is seeing some changes to make them look brighter, sharper, more immersive, these technologies are not mutually exclusive and in most cases exist side-by-side. We are fully committed to bringing next generation technologies to the market.

    “The next-generation display technology and the advanced ultra-thin depth of 4.3mm come with a unique curved design which represents a new era in home entertainment. It must be seen to be believed.”

    He explained that rather than using a new or different display technology, Ultra HDTVs are LED LCD models that “cram” more pixels onto the screen. With more pixels in a given area, images are sharper and more- detailed than on regular HD TVs. Also known as 4K TVs, consumer Ultra HD sets have four times the resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) of traditional HD TVs (1920 x 1080 pixels).

    Ultra HD TV is on the rise and coming to consumer homes in a meaningful way with various high-profile launches from leading manufacturers which also demonstrates how we are witnessing the second or third generation of 4k screens from some companies and while they still generally command a premium and affordable.

    However, OLED still remains the aficionado’s favourite and is widely regarded as the one technology able to offer superior quality on an unrivalled scale. One only needs to see a significant trademark demonstration of OLED technology to prepare for the imminent growth in demand for OLED TVs around the world, LG recently announced that it will establish production bases in a number of countries around the world.

    The company has completed the construction of new OLED TV plants in Brazil, Poland, China and Thailand with a facility in Mexico commencing operation this year producing OLED TVs for the North American Market.

    Skeptics have long bemoaned the absence of a truly intuitive OS when it comes to smart TVs.

    Managing Director, Fouani Nigeria Limited, Mr. Mohammed Fouani said: “Our groundbreaking CURVED OLED TV marks the beginning of a whole new era in home entertainment. Its IMAX-like curvature guarantees an amazingly immersive and comfortable viewing experience. Indeed, it is a point of pride that we were able to bring the CURVED OLED TV into the market and we will continue to expand and improve our industry leading television technology.”

    Without proper connection to the internet and the ability to navigate efficiently, many say, a “smart” TV is no different than the average, no-frills “dumb” TV. At CES 2014, LG demonstrated that it clearly understands the need for a simpler and smarter TV set up and interface — and that simplicity is crucial in getting consumers to connect and enjoy the full benefits of this new class of television.

    WebOS is the newest smart TV platform from LG.Having purchased this dynamic operating system from HP in march 2013,the platform has been re-invented by LG and reintroduced to offer users an intuitive interface for an experience that is both seamless and refreshingly uncomplicated, based on years of experience collected by the WebOS team. This platform marries the superior picture quality of the latest generation of TV’s with an operating system that allows truly smart navigation around and connectivity with a rich ecosystem of online content.

    At CES 2014, LG managed to achieve a unique grand slam with the introduction of its flexible OLED TV having previously introduced its share of world firsts in the OLED TV space-flat, curved and now flexible. Using an accompanying remote, the curvature of the flexible OLED TV display can be altered to suit the viewing situation and environment, such as number of viewers and viewing distance. Since the curvature is adjustable, audiences can enjoy the best TV viewing experience possible.

    Interestingly, the announcement represents the latest development in the exciting evolution of curved screens and LG’s overall vision to create unmatched picture quality. Along with flexible OLED,LG has also brought together what could be termed the ‘holy grail’ of emerging TV technology, combining the qualities of both Ultra HD and OLED as well as curved for their stunning 55-,65- and 77-inch Ultra HD Curved OLED TV range.

  • Girl wins diamond ring

    Girl wins diamond ring

    A young lady, Maureen Ndudi Amaigwe, has emerged the winner of diamond ring valued at N450,000 in a promo bankrolled by Jumia in Lagos.

    The promo held between January 24 and February 14.

    Exciting prizes, such as one night stay at Four Points Hotel, makeover session, dinner for two at a choice restaurant and the big one, a diamond ring worth 2,000 euro, were up for grabs for customers who shopped items within its valentine store with ‘101 gifts of love’.

    The star prize winner could not believe her luck when she emerged the winner of the diamond ring. She couldn’t hold back her excitement as she screamed: “Jumia has made my year and I am the happiest woman in the world. Presently, you know as the saying goes diamonds are a girls bestie”.

    Other winners include Dr and Mrs Theophilus Chiazor, who won the Spa package and Jeffrey Loso, who won a night’s stay at Four Points by Sheraton.

  • Price war in supermarkets

    Price war in supermarkets

    Grocers are rolling up their sleeves, bringing aggressive discounts that will be of benefit to consumers. But how cheap are these discounts? TONIA ‘DIYAN asks.

    In a recent survey of food retailers in Shoprite and Spar stores, nearly three- quarter of people spoken to said they’ve increased their promotions in an effort to adjust to the needs of consumers and redirect them to branded products.

    Much of the aggressive discounting is focused on staple products such as cereal, milk, egg, yogurt, frozen foods, pastries, canned products, and items sealed in sachets and so on .

    Half of the retailers said they would ensure that the heightened level of promotions and price reductions last for sometime.

    Although grocers operate on fairly slim profit margins, they said they’re able to offer aggressive discounts because consumers typically buy regular-priced items.

    Sometimes, retailers also offer bundled deals, with this, consumers buy an item from one department in a particular store  and get another item in a different department in the same store, but at a discount.

    Yesterday, a shopper Nnena Agu  was pleasantly surprised that the N3,960 she spent at Shoprite bought her more items than she expected.

    She said, in addition to getting low prices, she picked flyers and hand bills from competing chains to compare  prices just to get the best discounts that stores are offering. “I notice that grocery stores have dropped their prices and I think they are doing the right thing especially now that there is fuel scarcity. It will help many of us cope.

    The Manager, The Bazaar, Mr. Femi Johnson said: “Consumers are approaching shopping more aggressively now by searching more for promotions, sales and doing less impulse buys. That is why we’re trying to be as innovative as we can based on what our customers want and need.”

    The aggressive discounts going on in grocery stores have also resulted in competition among them.

    The last two months have witnessed more 2-for-N10,000 deals at Spar in Victoria Island , more buy-one-get-one-free offers at Shoprite  and more price-roll back signs at The Bazaar in Illupeju, Lagos.

    That’s because grocers are ramping up sales and special promotions in an effort to out-discount one another — and earn the loyalty of cash-strapped consumers.

    In fact, a huge percentage  of everything sold by the Nigerian food merchants since the beginning of this year has been on sale, according to the Artee group.

    The discounting comes amid tough times for consumers and in an environment in which food suppliers and manufacturers continue to raise prices.

    “The volatility in food prices and the overall decline in consumer spending have created more intense competition among grocers,” said Mrs. Debola Majekodunmi, a grocery analyst and pioneer Centre Manager of the New Leisure Mall in Surulere- Lagos.

    “Also, it has triggered the strong uptick in promotions as grocers fight to respond to consumers’ desire for greater value. Such promotions might become permanently ingrained in consumers’ expectations”, she said.

    “Retailers are resorting to all kinds of ways to dramatize the savings they offer because  majority of people are more sensitive to looking for savings,” Shlome Anaga, manager Mega Plaza said. “It has become clear that a promotional price breaks through the clutter, and it works.”

    Shoprite  is an aggressive discounter. The chain “owes it to our customers to constantly challenge our promotions and to offer the best possible deals,” spokesperson, Linus Aguocha  said.

    He noted that the store is offering two laughing cow cheese spread for the price of one amongst many other offers.

    “Due to the present situation of the country, our two for the price of one  sales are extremely beneficial,” he said, adding: “Our customers say they love it and we’ll continue to do what we know how to do best.”

    Also, to become the most patronised, grocery stores are sticking with price slashing and discount  sales strategy. Ordinarily, one would have expected that discounts are given only during festivities. The interesting thing is that the big names in the grocery industry are those who have chosen this strategy to remain at the top.

    These grocers  have  said they won’t only be selling discounted items, but will also  see that prices of grocery items are stable, saying it is  a way of scoring points against competitors apart from it being a way to drive sales.

    Findings show that since the year began, Shoprite is generally the cheapest with an average of about three per cent, followed by Spar, then The Bazaar, in Illupeju and Grocery Bazaar in Iba.

    However,  behavioural economists say promotions have a huge effect on the consumer. And that more than 40 per cent of groceries are bought on special offer, so regardless of what’s on a shopping list, the consumer  ends up buying  items on special offers.

    That means what the customer buys is always cheaper, or at least, not much more expensive than it would have been elsewhere.

    According to players in the industry, promotions appear more about point scoring against competitors than engaging with customers and their needs.

    Therefore, they work very hard to monitor what their competitors are doing. Some  get data for price guarantee on everything from online comparisons to actually sending people into competitors’ stores to look at prices and to write down the details of all the offers.

    With three of the big four, it is easy enough to get basic pricing figures, because they have websites with many of their prices to allow people to order home deliveries.

  • Obi boosts market security with N1b vehicles

    Obi boosts market security with N1b vehicles

    Anambra State has more than 250 markets. Every community has a market while others have more than one. For example, Awka, Nnewi, Ekwulobia and Onitsha.

    Onitsha hosts the biggest market not only Nigeria but Africa. However, there are only 26 market associations in the state, under the aegis of Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA).

    Governor Peter Obi during his campaign assured that security would not be glossed over in the state’s markets since it is the most important aspect of buying and selling. He introduced measures that would rout criminals, part of which is the provision of security vans equipped with sophisticated gadgets.

    Early in the week, Obi presented nine brand new security vehicles to markets in Onitsha and environs. He fulfilled the promise to them as over 250 security vehicles have go to the communities. The vehicles were worth over N1 billion.

    Obi, who presented the vehicles at Odakpu Onitsha, said the gesture was a fulfillment of his earlier promise.

    The beneficiaries include Bridge Head Market, Ogboefere Market, Building Materials Market Ogidi, Onitsha Main Market, Marine Modern Market, Ogbaru Main Market, Ose Okwodu Market, Electronics Market Onitsha and Amalgamated Market Traders Association.

    He said the vehicles were part of the efforts to ensure security of lives and property to bring back the glory of the state as a pace-setter in the country. He stressed the determination of his administration to give traders stronger presence and voice in the scheme of things, warning against encroachment on market land. The governor enjoined the leaders to see their position as a grace of God and remain responsive to the needs and aspiration of the people.

    President, ASMATA, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo thanked the governor for the gesture, assuring that the vehicles would be put to good use.

    He appealed to the governor not to resign from politics at the end of his tenure to serve the country in a higher capacity and do for Nigeria what he has done for the state.

    Earlier, Secretary, ASMATA, Chief Chuma Eruchalu said the governor has lived up to his promise of transforming state, thanking him for the recognition and support given to the traders since the inception of his administration.

    Chairman, OMMATU, Chief Innocent Agudiegwu and the President of Ogboefere Market, Mr. Livinus Obiegonu said the governor had raised the bar of governance and set a standard other leaders should emulate.

    Meanwhile, Obi said his government had purchased over 300 vehicles for security agencies as well as assisted them in various ways, including building roads in barracks for the reason that though they are federal organisations, they work for the good of the people of the state.

    That statement attracted commendation of monarchs, especially Chairman of Traditional Rulers Council in Anambra , Obi Alfred Achebe of Onitsha and Eze-uzu of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu.

    Obi said: “When we assist Federal organisations in the state and partner with churches and organisations working in Anambra and for the people of the state, I do so because they work for the benefit of Anambra people. Like the churches, I work with them because with lesser money, they achieve more than we do using regular contractors. I understand contractors are not happy with this, but let them realise that we are doing what will be ultimately more beneficial to the people.”

    The governor said the decision to buy the vehicles from INNOSON Motor Manufacturing was to encourage local industries for the expansion of the industrial base of the state. He said the new set of his official vehicles had been ordered from INNOSON, as well as 500 buses for schools by the end of the year.

    Achebe said Obi was a blessing to the state. He frowned at the governor’s announcement of his retirement from politics, insisting that people like him are needed in Nigeria of today.

    A member of House of Assembly, Hon. Nikky Ugochukwu said members of the legislature, like other people of the state, were pleased with the development in the state under the governor and with the cooperation of the House. She said they would continue to support him as he continued to work for the people.

    A community leader in the state, Chief Anthony Oguejiofor described what was happening in Anambra as “overwhelming”. He said it was instructive that the vehicles were procured from INNOSON and appealed to those in authority to patronise local industries as Governor Obi is doing with his patronage to INNOSON.

    The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Oseloka Obaze  charged the vigilante groups not to crimes.

    He charged them to be alive to their responsiblities, warning that they should not be a menace to the society.

  • Jumia to engage more independent sales consultants

    Jumia Nigeria is to employ more independent sales consultant.

    The platform promotes entrepreneurship with a new money making programme for everyone, with an opportunity to become part of Jumia.

    Nigeria’s biggest online retailer has expanded its reach, connecting entrepreneurs, students, workers and others with the new sales programme, ‘Independent sales consultant’

    The scheme is an avenue for people to make more money for themselves, by being entrepreneurs through Jumia. It is an open ground for everyone who wants to earn extra money on the side, network with people and enter the world of online retail at little or no cost to them.

    The opportunity offers attractive commissions for top salesmen without committing to full employment with Jumia. Hours are flexible; only required for regular training.

    In three steps, one can become a consultant. First, register, create a team(Network of people selling) and start selling Jumia products and make money.

    The benefits attached are that individuals will become their own bosses. It is an avenue of meeting more people and expand reach.

    Since the programme started in December, last year, over 200 independent consultants have signed up and are making more money from Jumia.

    On an average,  a consultant takes home about N250,000 monthly from his commission and that of his team.

  • Leather sellers decry factories’ closure, others

    The Federation of Leather and Allied Products Association of Nigeria, (FOLAPAN) in Onitsha, Anambra State, has appealed to the Federal Government to revive the leather industry in the country.

    They noted that lack of basic infrastructure, including power, good road network, fund and water should be improved to ease leather production.

    FOLAPAN’s Ad-hoc Committee Chairman, Mr. Chukwubuike Nwachukwu said inadequate supply of quality leather had led to a declining demand which in turn slowed the growth of the domestic market.

    Nwachukwu, who is also Chairman of Onitsha Shoe Material Association, said inadequate provision of infrastructure has hindered increase in the production of leather.

    He urged the Federal Government to regulate the sector to restore its lost glory.

    He advised that the government should standardise the quality of leather that are imported into the country.

    “Power supply is of utmost importance to the production of garment and shoes in Nigeria and all over the whole world”.

    “This is one of the reasons the finishing of shoes and garments in Nigeria is always poor because the work is done manually instead of using machine and this is the competitive advantage the Asian countries have over us”.

    “Until the manufacturers of garment and shoes in Nigeria begin to use the right tools in production, good finishing will remain a mirage. The manufacturers need power to run their machines. The machines are not hand driven but electricity powered,” he said.

    He also said the leather sector is the second highest foreign exchange earner after the oil industry, adding that the leather sector exported over 600 million square feet of leather in 2009 and earned about $680 million for tanned skin (GEMS12012).

    He added: “In the 80s, there were over 40 fully operational tanneries. However, by the 1990s due to several constraints, this figure fell sharply to only four functional tanneries, none of which are indigenously owned.

    “Between 1980 and 1986 there were about 13 leather foot wear companies in Nigeria, employing over 17,00 workers. However, by 1995 the number of companies had reduced to seven, with 6,212 employees and by 2000, there were only three companies remaining with just about 2006 employees.”

  • ‘Businesses have a lot to gain from exhibitions’

    ‘Businesses have a lot to gain from exhibitions’

    At the just concluded 11th edition of The Unique Interior exhibition at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, Mrs. Debola Majekodunmi, the initiator of the exhibition and the former Centre Manager, Leisure Mall, Surulere spoke on the importance of the exhibition in this interview with Morakinyo Abiodun.

    What brought about this exhibition?

    The event was born out of a need to make décor and design more accessible to home owners, providing plenty of ideas and giving detailed information on interior designs.

    The exhibition was established in 1997 to showcase unique interior products and services, which will provide detailed information to customers round the globe.

    What facilitated this year’s exhibition?

    The theme for this year’s exhibition is: Uniqueness with a professional touch. It is committed to the vision that a better future for the industry can be achieved thus contributing to the development of the economy through its creativity and awareness of interior decoration in the country.

    Who are the exhibitors?

    The event brings together interior designers and decorators, architects, electronic equipment manufacturers and merchants, artists, real estate practitioners, landscapers, horticulturists and facility managers under one roof to exchange ideas with the sole purpose of stimulating growth in the industry. Also, brands such as Voda Paints, Mega Praises Home wares, Jumbo Sports, Homart Furniture, MJS Trading, Dofas Technical (In-house Builders), Home Essentials, Homenall, Vava Furniture, and the Simba Group also featured.

    Businesses can reap tremendous benefits stemming from activities prior to, during and after the event. It also brings about the much- needed exposure of organisations to a relevant influential audience, who constitute a target market for industries.

    Apart from the exhibition, what other activities do you have?

    We organise seminars simultaneously with the exhibition where various topics are discussed among exhibitors, the organisers and visitors. Some of the topics discussed are, developing a maintenance culture for interior products, environment friendly paints, securing lands and properties and so on.

    The event also feature free health checks, free body massage and spa treatment, raffle draw and discounted interior products sales and more.

  • Ikeja City Mall presents prizes to promo winners

    Ikeja City Mall has presented prizes to the three loyal customers who emerged winners at its Valentine’s Promo.

    Mr. Mustapha Taiwo, who took first position, has two prize options: an all- expense paid trip to Kenya /South Africa or $1500 shopping voucher to be spent at the mall. The first and second runners up, Mrs. Bayejo Talianna and Mr. Akin Akingbade, were presented with $900 and $600 shopping vouchers, which are also to be used at the mall.

    The Outdoor Manager of Hemingway’s Safaris Africa, who partnered in the promo, Mr. Emmanuel Fariogun said: “It is our pleasure to partner with Ikeja City mall because of its mutual reward, which customers always participate in.”

    He added: “At Hemingway’s Safaris Africa, we want to sponsor and expose people to  the 21st century means of family vacation that’s why we are paying all expenses trips, so that the lucky winners will be able to experience a world class resort. We have sponsored the likes of Shoprite, Grocery Bazzard, Ikoyi Club and Ikeja City Mall, among others.

    The Mall’s Marketing Manager, Eniola Ositelu said: “We are pleased to make the wishes of consumers become realities and we will continue in this act of rewarding customers. At Ikeja City Mall, we say it and act it, encouraging loyal customers.”