Twenty four hours to the end of the 29th Lagos International Trade Fair, visitors have flocked the Tafawa Balewa Square venue while exhibitors have slashed prices of their products.
The exhibitors had earlier complained about low turnout of visitors and attributed the situation to the state of the economy.
The weekend, however, brought some relief and frenzy to the fair ground.
Some exhibitors used professional dancers, disco jockeys and comedians to attract visitors to their stands.
Some of the companies that attracted large patronage were exhibiting beverage, fruit, wine, cosmetics and herbal products.
Others exhibited home appliances, clothes, shoes and groceries.
Mrs Omowunni Emmanuel, the Managing Director, Kiddies Arena, said:”I reduced prices of the children’s clothes to attract customers to my stand.
“The trousers that I was selling at N3,000, now goes for N2,000, while the tops range between N1,200 and N1,500.
“Customers are frugal because of the state of the economy; if I do not reduce my prices I will not make sales, thereby returning home with my goods.”
Mr Afolabi Oluwaseun, the Managing Director, Marv. G. Design, exhibiting under the KAYMU online store, attributed the large presence of visitors at the stand to the massive reduction in prices of goods.
“All KAYMU’s retailers at the fair have discounted price, we are also giving N1000 discount on every goods worth N5,000 sold at our stands at the fair.”
Mrs Charity Garba, the Managing Director, Michga Foods, an exhibitor from Niger State, said that she had sold all the yam flour she brought to the fair ground.
“I have just few shea butter left to sell, all the yam flour I brought is sold out. I am impressed because my investment is not in vain.”
Mrs Jumoke Aleshinloye, a visitor, said that she was at the fair ground to take advantage of discounts offered by exhibitors.
“I have been saving for a cooker when a friend told me that there is a N4,500 price difference at the fair compared to market price, I rushed down.”
Mrs keji Adams, another visitor, said that she seized the opportunity offered by the fair to shop for Christmas for her household.
Some exhibitors had extended their display to the passage to attract visitors.
The fair, which started on November 6, will end on November 15.
