Consumers give reasons for `Okrika’ patronage

Fri, Oct 5, 2018 | By publisher


Economy

Some Consumers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday gave reasons for their preference to second hand clothes popularly called, “okrika.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) investigation showed high patronage of okrika mostly in Karimu, Nyanya/Maraba, Dutse, Garki, Utako and Wuse markets.

Some of the buyers said their preference for fairly-used items such as clothing, household furniture, kitchen utensils, electronics, shoes, bags and other accessories was its affordability, quality and durability.

Mr George Adeyemi, a resident of Kpaduma in Asokoro said he preferred to buy fairly-used electronics because of quality.

“ I prefer foreign fairly-used items to some locally made ones because of their durability unlike some new ones that are poorly produced and cannot last long.’’

Mrs Elizabeth Donald, a mother of four said she preferred to buy fairly-used clothes and shoes for her children because they were cheaper, durable and can be passed down from one child to another.

Donald, added that she preferred to do her shopping very early in the morning to avoid rush and to enable her get the better ones from the sellers.

“One has to come early when the bales would be open, otherwise you won’t see the good materials to select.

Miss Evelyn Okot, a banker, says she buys fairly-used bags, shoes and other accessories because of their quality, durability and uniqueness.

“ Fairly-used items last longer than some new ones because most of them are designer or branded items and I am sure of their authenticity, rather than buying new ones that don’t last.’’

On her own part, an okrika specialist a.k.a Mama Ebuka, in Utako Market, said she usually sell her wears on each of the market days across the metropolis and environs.

“ I have several customers everywhere, so on the market days I usually go to Maraba markets every Wednesday, Madalla on Thursdays, and Garki on Fridays to sell my goods.’’

Ebuka said people should jettisoned the perception that low-income earners buy fairly-used items more, adding that patronage cuts across all classes depending on preference and taste.

“It is not just poor people that buy our things; I have a lot of rich customers, whom I carefully select the kind of things I know they like.

However, a medical practitioner, Dr Martins Magaji, cautioned residents on the health hazards of using fairly-used clothing, especially pants and bras.

“Using under wears that have been worn by another person exposes the user to some diseases, especially if the previous wearer had diseases such as skin or sexually transmitted diseases.’’

Magaji, however advised buyers to ensure that such clothes were properly washed with antiseptics, sun dried and ironed before usage in order to reduce the risk of contacting any diseases. (NAN)

– Oct. 5, 2018 @ 17:55 GMT |

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