Lagos festive market sales show mixed trends as traders report cautious spending and rising costs ahead of Christmas 2025

With just days to Christmas, traders in Lagos are reporting mixed reactions over festive sales, as rising costs and cautious consumer spending shape the market mood.

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Traders at Balogun Business Association Market (BBA) and Oyinlola Ifelodun Market in Festac Town told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday that the usual Christmas rush has yet to fully set in.

Mrs Joy Nwachukwu, a clothing trader at BBA Market, said sales had improved compared with the same period in 2024.

“As at this time last year, I didn’t have many customers, but this year has been better. Irrespective of the price increase, they’re still buying,” she said.

Mrs Tutu Hunpe, a children’s clothing vendor at Oyinlola Ifelodun Market, noted a shift in buying patterns.

“We are noticing a marked increase in adults purchasing items for personal use rather than prioritising children’s clothing. Economic pressures appear to be influencing parental spending,” she said.

Similarly, a shoe vendor, Mr Chukwudi Obi, said shoppers were more focused on personal enjoyment this festive season.

“Most of the sales I’ve made are for adults. It seems a lot of people are focusing more on enjoying this Christmas than they did last year,” he said.

However, some traders lamented low patronage and persistent haggling by customers.

Mrs Blessing Dikeh, a trader at BBA Market, said many potential buyers walked away after quoting unrealistic prices.

“They just call their prices and leave. The prices they offer are extremely low, far below what I can accept,” she said.

At Oyinlola Ifelodun Market, Mrs Bolaji Disu attributed the situation to rising costs from wholesalers.

“Many customers wrongly believe traders are responsible for price increases. We can’t sell our items at the same amount we bought them,” she said.

In the decorations segment, Mrs Joy Chidinma, a Christmas ornaments trader, said that while prices for Christmas lights have remained relatively stable, demand is still low.

“Prices haven’t increased much compared to last year, but the market is slow,” she added.

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The mixed trends highlight how economic pressures are influencing festive spending, with some shoppers prioritising personal enjoyment over traditional family-focused purchases.