The festive period is a time much anticipated by business owners for increase in sales and high patronage of goods and services. But, the reverse seems to be the case for most business owners along the Ebute-Ipakodo road, Ikorodu, Lagos state when our correspondent visited the area recently.
In an interview with Ikorodu Oga Radio correspondent, many of the business owners complain of low patronage of their goods and services, despite the fast approaching yuletide season.
A foodstuff seller, Christian Ifeanyi complained about the low turn-out of customers. He said, “as of now we have not seen people like it use to be in previous years, but we are expectant because this is the season when we sell in large quantity. I’m selling my goods at a discounted price now, like bag of rice which is #18, 000, I’m selling it for #17000 so as to attract and keep my customers”.
Mr Elochukwu, a staff of Shop and Smile supermarket stated that sales has been going as usual but they are hopeful that the week before Christmas would bring increase in sales and then they would be able to put discounts on their goods.
While many of the business owners appealed to the government to pay workers’ salary on time so that they would have enough money to patronize them.
A boutique owner, who pleaded anonymity said, “business has not been moving on well, I’m not seeing anybody coming to patronize me. I plead with residents going to Lagos Island to buy Christmas wears, to please, come and patronize us here at Ikorodu, so that we all can smile. I want to also plead with the government to, please pay workers salary so they can patronize us”.
Investigation by Ikorodu Oga radio reveals that patronage of goods and services have been very low because most workers are yet to receive their December salary.
It is hoped that things will improve in the coming weeks so that residents can have a fulfilling Christmas and New Year celebration.
