• About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy
Friday, June 27, 2025
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
Advertisement
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
  • National
  • Politics
  • Economy
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns
No Result
View All Result
Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history
No Result
View All Result

High Cost, Low Sales: Supermarkets Hit Hard by Consumer Shift to Wholesale Markets as Inflation Worsen

Vincent Amadi by Vincent Amadi
February 27, 2025
in Economy, News
Reading Time: 5 mins read
A A
0
High Cost, Low Sales: Supermarkets Hit Hard by Consumer Shift to Wholesale Markets as Inflation Worsen
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare on WhatsappShare on EmailShare on Telegram

Before the Nigerian economy took a sharp and sustained downturn, shopping at superstores was not just about purchasing essentials; it was a lifestyle that many Nigerians indulged in with pleasure.

These large retail outlets became more than just places to buy groceries; they were spaces where people took photos to show-off their day’s activities or simply enjoy some leisure time.

The long queues at these stores were almost a given, with customers patiently waiting their turn at the cash registers, often wondering how long it would take to get through.

However, a recent visit by journalists to various supermarkets and shopping malls paint a very different realistic picture from the bustling activity of the past. The once busy malls, packed with shoppers looking for deals and essentials, are now noticeably less crowded.

The era of Nigerians flocking to big malls and supermarkets for basic needs seem to be over. Instead, more people are turning to local wholesale shops, where they can buy the same goods at lower prices and avoid the lengthy queues.

Mrs. Akinade Temitope, a banker, shared her experience of how she now prefers to shop at local stores rather than the big supermarkets she used to frequent.

“Everybody knows the prices of goods in the market are high,” she said. “But when you go to some supermarkets, it is ridiculous. Up to the price of bread, which is sold for N1,200. In bakeries outside supermarkets, the size of bread goes for N800. Who would know such and still decide to patronize the former?”

She went on to highlight the price differences that drove her away from shopping malls. “Ordinary Maggi small sachet is N380 in supermarkets, and a roll of 10 is N3,800 when I can get such at N3,000 in local shops.

“With the way businesses are crawling, salaries not increasing, and expenses piling up every day, one will need to change lifestyle.

“So, I decided to stop visiting the shopping malls and instead get my groceries at cheap prices in wholesale stores. This simple change in lifestyle has helped me cut costs a lot.”

Mrs. Monica Adams, a teacher who used to shop at supermarkets every weekend, echoed a similar sentiment. She now opts for smaller local shops, where she can buy her groceries in smaller quantities at more affordable prices.

“Before, I shopped in malls and supermarkets. But now, I don’t because of the rise in prices; I just decided to patronize local stores.

I can’t even buy the large quantity of food items I usually buy in these malls anymore. Now I just purchase what my money can afford.”

She also mentioned that the queues in these malls, particularly on weekends, have dwindled. “Those queues in the shopping malls and supermarkets, especially on the weekends, have reduced. Try to visit one, and you will see for yourself,” she added.

Yet, despite the shift in shopping habits, some people still frequent supermarkets for items that are hard to find in local stores.

Mr. Victor Oshinaike is one of those individuals. “I only visit the supermarket whenever there is an item I can’t find in the local market,” he explained. “I am a top fan of supermarkets because I don’t like moving about the local markets to get different items. But I don’t mind moving now to cut costs.”

He also emphasized how everyone, regardless of their gender, is now concerned with saving money, “it is before people say men don’t price. Now men are very conscious of the prices of goods and also look for where to get these goods at a very cheap price. There is no rich man in Nigeria; the rich also cry.”

Miss Kenny Boma, a pharmacist, also shared how her family had to change their shopping habits due to the rising costs.

“My family and I have shopped for groceries every month in shopping malls for years now, but for two months, we have not been able to do so anymore.

We now go to local markets to get things needed and manage. Apart from the cost, nobody has spare cash to do lots of shopping these days. Everyone is managing. They only go for basic things now.”

The story of reduced patronage extends beyond supermarkets to bakeries as well.

Shalewa Ogunsanya, a hair vendor, recounted her recent experience. “The queue in shopping malls used to give me trauma. For so many reasons, I hated it there, but they are the only stores where you can find all your groceries at once. I went to a particular one last week and was worried about the queue. To my surprise, there was no one in the queue when I got to the cashier’s counter.”

Curious, she asked the cashier why there were no crowds on a weekend, to which the cashier replied, “Things are so expensive, and not everyone can afford them in this economy. We are also being affected by poor sales too.”

Shalewa’s experience didn’t end there. She later visited a popular bakery known for its large customer base. “I visited a popular bakery to buy bread the same day. This bakery was also filled with customers who were always in queue. But that day, there was nothing as such. The attendant told me that they have even reduced their production size to avoid losses.”

It is clear that Nigeria’s economic challenges are not only affecting individual households but also the businesses that rely on consumer spending.

As prices continue to rise and incomes remain stagnant, Nigerians are being forced to make difficult choices in their spending habits.

The allure of big shopping malls and supermarkets is fading as more people turn to local stores in search of better deals and fewer queues.

While some may still frequent supermarkets for hard-to-find items, the general trend suggests that Nigerians are becoming more frugal in their shopping habits, focusing on essentials and seeking ways to stretch their limited resources.

The shift in consumer behavior is a direct result of the ongoing economic downturn, and it seems unlikely that the situation will change anytime soon. As Mrs. Temitope pointed out, “With businesses crawling, salaries not increasing, and expenses piling up every day, one will need to change lifestyle.” For many Nigerians, that change has already begun.

Vincent Amadi

Vincent Amadi

Related Posts

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos
News

Lagos State Government Denies Demolishing Property Allegedly owned to Peter Obi’s Brother, Orders Investigation

11 hours ago
Gospel Artist sentenced to Death for beheading NYSC Girlfriend
News

Gospel Artist sentenced to Death for beheading NYSC Girlfriend

12 hours ago
17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State
National

17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State

21 hours ago
MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%
Entertainment

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%

2 days ago

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

I agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

NATIONS NEWS

Tinubu can’t find solution to Nigerians’ suffering, says Group 
National

Tinubu to Sign Tax Reform Bills, Transforming Nigeria’s Revenue and Business Environment

16 hours ago
17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State
National

17 Soldiers Killed as Bandits Attack Military Bases in Niger State

21 hours ago
Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos
National

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos

2 days ago
Benue Police Launch Drone Rescue Operation for Kidnapped Travellers
National

Benue Police Launch Drone Rescue Operation for Kidnapped Travellers

2 days ago
Atiku to Tinubu: Tell Nigerians the Truth About Your ‘Chicago Classmate’ claim
National

Atiku to Tinubu: Tell Nigerians the Truth About Your ‘Chicago Classmate’ claim

2 days ago
Hunger and Poverty Driving Nigeria’s Insecurity, Says NSA Ribadu and Defence Chief Musa
National

Hunger and Poverty Driving Nigeria’s Insecurity, Says NSA Ribadu and Defence Chief Musa

2 days ago

POLITICS

PDP Crisis Deepens as NWC Members Reject Anyanwu

PDP Crisis Deepens as NWC Members Reject Anyanwu

20 hours ago
President Tinubu should Declare State of Emergency in Benue – Security expert Babaeko

2027 ELECTIONS: Tinubu Dismisses 2027 Coalition, Calls Opponents Political IDPs

21 hours ago
INEC Receives 110 Applications from Associations Seeking Registration as Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections(see list)

INEC Receives 110 Applications from Associations Seeking Registration as Political Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections(see list)

1 day ago
PDP Crisis: PDP Confirms Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary

PDP Crisis: PDP Confirms Samuel Anyanwu as National Secretary

1 day ago
Reno Omokri is a delusional liar, talks rubbish nonstop – Segun Showunmi

Reno Omokri is a delusional liar, talks rubbish nonstop – Segun Showunmi

2 days ago
SDP Suspends National Chairman Gabam Over Alleged ₦100M Fraud

SDP Suspends National Chairman Gabam Over Alleged ₦100M Fraud

2 days ago

YOUR ECONOMY

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s
Economy

IPMAN: Dangote’s New Delivery Plan Will Bring Cheaper Fuel to Nigerians’s

6 days ago
Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments
Economy

Enforce Transparent Pump Pricing, oil marketers Cheating Nigerians, PENGASSAN laments

1 week ago
PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy
Economy

PETROAN kicks against Dangote’s petrol distribution strategy

1 week ago
Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide
Economy

Dangote Refinery Begins Distribution of Petrol Nationwide

2 weeks ago
Nigeria Stock Exchange to Partner with Hong Kong’s Stock market
Economy

Nigeria Stock Exchange to Partner with Hong Kong’s Stock market

2 weeks ago
Dangote refinery is Tinubu’s brainchild – Aliko
Economy

Dangote refinery is Tinubu’s brainchild – Aliko

3 weeks ago

E & P

Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027
Sports

Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027

by Steven Atogi
12 hours ago
0

Cristiano Ronaldo has officially extended his stay at Al Nassr, signing a fresh Cristiano Ronaldo Al Nassr contract until 2027.The...

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%

MultiChoice Slashes DStv Decoder Price by 50%

2 days ago
Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria for Turkey After AFN’s Olympic Blunder

Favour Ofili Dumps Nigeria for Turkey After AFN’s Olympic Blunder

4 days ago
Napoli Eye Darwin Nunez Transfer to Strengthen Attack for 2025 Serie A Title Defense

Napoli Eye Darwin Nunez Transfer to Strengthen Attack for 2025 Serie A Title Defense

5 days ago
Breaking: Barcelona Sign Catalan Goalkeeper Joan García for €25m After Domestic Treble Success

Breaking: Barcelona Sign Catalan Goalkeeper Joan García for €25m After Domestic Treble Success

1 week ago
Trent Alexander-Arnold unveiled for Real Madrid

Trent Alexander-Arnold unveiled for Real Madrid

2 weeks ago

YOUR THOUGHT & HISTORY

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality
Columns

The Emerging Kogi: Economic Growth Impact Transforming Better Reality

by Kiikpoye Karibo
1 day ago
ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE
Opinion

ON THE PUBLIC NUISANCE CALLED SOWORE

by Kiikpoye Karibo
4 months ago
Data Visualizations
Columns

Five Key Considerations for Creating Effective Data Visualizations

by Blessing Chinyere Daniel
5 months ago
The Transformative Power of AI in Revolutionizing Industries and Empowering Growth
Columns

The Transformative Power of AI in Revolutionizing Industries and Empowering Growth

by Blessing Chinyere Daniel
6 months ago
Navigating the Turbulent Terrain of Entrepreneurship: The Power of Tenacity, Growth Mind-set, and Grit
Columns

Navigating the Turbulent Terrain of Entrepreneurship: The Power of Tenacity, Growth Mind-set, and Grit

by Uloma Harrison-Ikenwanze
7 months ago

Who we are

Umpirenews | Latest News, Politics, Breaking News, Nigeria and African history

Welcome to Umpire News, your go-to online newspaper dedicated to broadening perspectives and expanding the horizons of our numerous readers. Read more

Browse by Category

  • Columns
  • Economy
  • Editorial
  • Entertainment
  • International
  • National
  • News
  • Opinion
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Trends

Recent News

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Over Deepening Lawlessness, Cites Demolition of Brother’s Property in Lagos

Lagos State Government Denies Demolishing Property Allegedly owned to Peter Obi’s Brother, Orders Investigation

June 26, 2025
Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027

Cristiano Ronaldo Extends Al Nassr Contract, Commits to Saudi Pro League Project Until 2027

June 26, 2025
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy & Policy

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • National
  • Economy
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
  • Editorial
  • Opinion
  • Columns

© 2024 Copyright Umpirenews. All rights reserved

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used. Visit our Privacy and Cookie Policy.
🤑Join & Get Our Easter Gifts 🤑

Enter your NAME & Email NOW!!

Be among the 1st 100 lucky WINNERS to win our Amazing GIFTs this Easter Period as you READ our Daily hot NEWs & make meaningful comments and follow us on our social media handles.

Name
Enter your email address