One week to Christmas, traders decry low patronage

Traders in Lagos are yet to feel the effect of the yuletide season as patronage, so far, is quite low.

As against expectations that residents would start stocking up for the celebration well ahead of time, traders at Oja Oba market, Abule Egba, who spoke to Sunday Tribune noted that despite the fact that they had envisaged low patronage due to the economy, they still believe that the situation could still change.

“It is just some days to Christmas, yet there I have not felt the vibe of the season,” Mrs Yemi Oluleye, a trader at Oja Oba said.

She noted that she had stocked up her store, although not as much as she would have wanted to, in anticipation of having big sales but things have not really improved.

She added that most people in the market were not there to buy goods but to make enquires on the prices of foodstuffs.

Speaking on the prices of major foodstuff, she said for now the prices were still same with that of last month, although there are spikes in the prices of some foodstuff which is not unconnected with the incoming festive period. Mrs Oluleye explained that the prices of beans is gradually going up, while a bag of rice still remains same at N25,000-N27,000.

Another trader simply identified as Abu noted that though from the look of things the market seems active, but most perceived shoppers were windowshopping.

“I guess people want to know what the market is saying as regards prices so that they can make their budget,” he said adding that he is optimistic that by Wednesday, people would start stocking up for the celebration ahead. (Sunday Tribune)