Two days to St. Valentine’s Day, some shops in Lagos malls are recording an increase in the purchase of lingerie, cakes and roses.
In a survey conducted at The Palms Mall, Lekki, and Novera Mall, Sangotedo, on Wednesday in Lagos, indications emerged of an upsurge in sales.
St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on Feb. 14.
Mr Adebayo Azeez, Manager, Lulu Lingerie, told NAN that he had recorded at least a 15 per cent increase in the sale of lingerie.
He attributed the increase to more awareness of the product, current purchasing power of Nigerians and the Valentine season bug.
“Checking my records, we have recorded not less than 15 per cent increase when it comes to the sales of lingerie.
“We, however, noticed that women know their sizes, but do not really know the exact sizes for the men and we have to work with their assumptions and sell to them,” he said.
A florist sales person who pleaded anonymity also revealed a boom in the sales of fresh roses.
She expressed hope of more purchases by Thursday evening.
“We are really selling and there has been an improvement when compared to last year.
“Calls have already started coming in with regards to more orders and, as you know, Nigerians like rush hour. By tomorrow, this place will be jam-packed and we hope to satisfy everybody,” she said.
Interviews with some bakers across the metropolis also revealed an increase in the orders for cakes to celebrate Valentine’s Day.
Mrs Kanimo Dimas-Okuo, Managing Director, Neemo’s CREAMCakes, told NAN that Valentine’s Day celebration impact on cake orders had been noticeable.
This, she attributed to new, creative and innovative ideas springing up daily on cake decorating designs, packages and Valentine’s Day giveaways.
“Valentine’s impact on cakes has indeed shored up and I would say by roughly 10 per cent, which is better than last year.
“I find that including other items to the cake helps sales; so, yes, its one of our sales strategies.
Dimas-Okuo said that six cupcakes with chocolates cost N3500, while 12 cupcakes with a box of chocolates and a bottle non alcoholic wine cost N7500.
“Also, 8 inches double layered buttercream cake with a box of chocolates and bottle of non alcoholic wine goes for N14000.
“All these are within the affordable range of an average Nigerian and as part of our giveaway, we have created a cake loaf with a small box or medium bar of chocolate and a small bottle of non alcoholic wine for N5,500,” she said.
Another baker, Mrs Oluwatobiloba Agbebi, Director, CakesbyButtercup, attributed the upsurge in sales to the fact that cakes are the go-to for celebration purposes.
Agbebi told NAN that to reduce the seemingly difficult standard of living of citizens this season of love, she was giving additional value at the same usual cost to her cakes.
However, same cannot be said for the purchase of other gift items, as a survey at two gift stores revealed a decline, when compared to 2019.
Mr Daniel John of Party Perfect Store told NAN that by this time last year, their store could hardly contain the number of buyers who had to queue to be attended to.
“The highest purchases so far have been on cards and balloons.
“When compared to last year, purchases for now have not been the best.
“Last year, you needed to have seen the queue here. You would have to queue for about 30 minutes before your gifts can be wrapped.
“But this year, we can not say for sure what is responsible, but we hope that tomorrow, things would be better,” he said.
We also gathered that dinner reservations and restaurants may not be having the best of time.
Some operators said this is due to the time frame allotted for operations at the malls, leaving less time to be spent at the dinner reservations.
“The Lagos terrain closes late, and we have to close by 9pm which is the time many have closed from work and just want to party and have fun.
“As a result, they go to clubs and other restaurants that have longer closing hours and this is not very good for our businesses, ” one of the operators told NAN. (NAN)
