Christmas brings booming business for FCT traders

Despite widespread concerns over economic hardship, some business owners in the Bwari Area Council of the FCT reported significant profits during the Christmas celebrations.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday, the business owners attributed their success to high patronage and an impressive turnout at their establishments.

Mrs Bosede Bamidele, the owner of a restaurant and bar, told NAN that the Christmas period brought one of the highest customer turnouts she had experienced in recent times.

Bamidele revealed that her usual stock of 50 crates of alcoholic drinks and 15 crates of soft drinks, which typically lasted two days, was surprisingly depleted within 24 hours during the festive season.

She said: “I had to keep ordering more drinks because customers kept coming in and out of my restaurant, eating and drinking all the assorted recipes made available.

“Interestingly, despite the widespread complaints of economic hardship, people still found ways to unwind and have fun. I sincerely appreciate God for that because it benefitted my business.”

Similarly, a tailor, Mr Buhari Alhamdu, said he worked tirelessly before the festive period to meet customer demands, hiring additional hands to assist him.

Alhamdu, who sews both male and female clothing, explained that he increased the price of a standard outfit from ₦5,000 to ₦7,000 before the Yuletide.

“This did not deter patronage and even brought me new customers,” he said, adding that the price hike was due to the rising cost of sewing materials. Despite this, he said his earnings after deducting expenses left him satisfied.

Miss Praise Moses, a hairdresser, disclosed that she made over ₦100,000 in just two days before Christmas.

Moses, who typically earns less than ₦30,000 in a week due to low patronage, noted that the festive period brought a surge in customers, especially women wanting to enhance their looks for the celebrations.

“I always look forward to the Christmas period. No matter how tough the year has been, we make money during this season, and there’s always patronage, no matter how people complain about a lack of funds,” she said.

Madam Esther Izuogo, a resident, observed that it is common for certain businesses to thrive during festive seasons, as Nigerians find ways to relieve stress from the year’s challenges.

She, however, advised against overspending during the festivities, urging business owners who made profits to use their earnings wisely by prioritising family needs and reinvesting in their businesses.

(NAN)