Enugu, known as a civil service state, has many super stores and markets that excite shoppers. The super stores have comfortable environment; the markets offer good bargain depending on what a customer wants. But the evening market has found a place in the hearts of many shoppers. STANLEY EZEONYEASI and Ogechukwu EMEDIKE report.
There are many places where one can shop in Enugu, the capital of the old Anambra State. It is a safe and tranquil city, highly developed with a good road network. There are lots of supermarkets, shopping malls and plazas, as well as open markets where one can make purchases at reasonable prices.
The most popular market in Enugu is the Ogbete Main Market beside the Holy Ghost Catholic Church, on Market Road, Enugu.
The market is central and attracts buyers from within and outside the state. The most attractive thing in Ogbete Market is that most shoppers enjoy the evening market that starts at 3pm daily, at the car park, at the entrance of the market.
There, items are sold at very cheap prices. The evening market also known as uwa mgbede, in Igbo, meaning evening world, usually draws sellers and buyers from various places within the city.
It is observed that the traders who sell in this evening market, most times sell more than those who have shops inside the market. This market makes shopping a pleasurable experience for students who are attracted by their cheap food stuff, bags, shoes and second hand clothing.
It was gathered that traders in Ogbete make more sales on Mondays and Saturdays than other days. This is because Monday is a new week and new goods are brought into the market. On Saturdays, more families like to shop for the coming week. Besides, workers who did not have the time to shop during the week are free on Saturdays and could go to the market.
The market has also gained a lot of patronage from travellers and passersby, as it is surrounded by several transport companies and motor parks.
Many believe that Enugu is small, as it is mainly populated with good number of super stores. Most residents, especially civil servants, believe that items sold in super stores are more expensive than those sold in the market.
The Nation Shopping found that this perception is not 100 per cent correct. However, prices of goods in the city are generally normal in the market, malls and super stores except for some female items like bags, shoes and clothing that are a little bit on the high side.
The favourite super market, Erico Super Market, Paully -Pet super stores are some of the stores serving over five million people in Enugu.
Some of the items in the super markets and stores range from cosmetics to beverages, clothing, shoes, wine, household equipment and lots more.
However, the coming of the popular grocery and household goods store, Shoprite, at Polo Park, Ogui Road, has in no small measure given a boost to shopping in the city.
Ogbete Market, New Market, Gariki Market, Afia Nine Market, New Haven Market, Abakpa Market are some in the Coal City for those who want to purchase within their means. Kenyetta Market also thrives in the evening.
On food stuffs, meat, fish and condiments, Ogbete and New markets are the best to visit. When going for yam in large quantity, Gariki is the most suitable market.
Looking for chicken, turkey, goat meat and fresh fish (point and kill)? Artisan Market is the place to make such purchases, though the market is referred to as ‘rich man’s market’ because things are said to be unnecessarily expensive.
Odegba Market behind the New Market, is popular for fruits and vegetables.
Traders who sell in Odegba Market are from the rural areas and their buyers are from the Enugu metropolis.
Another good place to shop in Enugu is Stadium Complex, C to C plaza, Red Wrappings, Women’s World boutique, Front roll Boutique, Gossip, Pentagon Shopping Mall and Eastern Shop, an old mall that has existed for the past 20 years. It is a departmental store where you can buy general goods, clothing and cosmetics.
The most outstanding shopping mall in the city is the Roban Stores. It is regarded as a shop for the elite. The beauty of the store is that you can get everything you want under a roof. This mall has saved a lot of people in Enugu the stress of going to the market. Prices of goods in Roban Stores are same or better than the markets.
A shopper, Professor J.C. Igweh, spoke to The Nation Shopping in Enugu, saying: “The market is far, huge and oversized. Everything is concentrated in the market and you have a long distance to walk in the market. It is extremely stressful shopping in Ogbete Main Market. But if I must shop here, in Enugu, I shop at Favourite Shopping Centre or Roban Stores.”
