STELLA PEREDU  

As the economy continues to bite hard on Nigerians, mixed reactions have trailed the 2016 valentine shopping as business men and women in Warri, Delta State have reacted to the sales of goods especially clothes on this year’s valentine season.

A typical valentine shopping in Nigeria.

Our correspondent who went round some markets in Warri got these reactions from some of the traders.

Speaking with the Managing Director of De-Treasure Boutigue, John Akunne, he said that the turn up of customer is very low compared with last year.

He added that the low turnout was as a result of the increase in exchange rate of dollar which made it difficult for so many traders to travel outside the country to buy goods which they in turn sells to customers.

According to Mr. Chima Odinenaka, who sells both male and female wears,   he said that the patronage is low because most of their customers have not been paid their salaries for some time now.

In his word ‘’People have not be coming to buy clothes because most of our customers complain that their salaries have not been paid. We hope people come to buy clothes from us before Sunday,” he added.

But other traders like Miss Essey Okoro who sells female clothes and shoes said that though patronage is not much business has been good for her.

Another respondent, Mrs. Mercy Anthony who deals on children wears said that parents have been coming to buy clothes for their children, endorsing other parents to come and patronize them in order to avoid last minute rush.

Mr. Ebuka Udeorji who sells vegetable and salads said that patronage is quite impressive and that people have been coming to buy things for the valentine.

Also speaking to our correspondent, Mr. Luke Ijeti who is a sales representative said, so far, patronage has been okay as people still come to the markets to purchase one of two things for the valentine.