Traders in Bauchi State have expressed concern over low patronage in clothing markets as the end of Ramadan approaches, attributing the situation to the lack of money in the hands of many residents in spite of relatively stable prices.
The traders, who spoke with the Newsmen on Wednesday in Bauchi, said although prices of fabrics and other clothing materials have not increased significantly, many customers were unable to make purchases due to prevailing economic challenges.
Malam Umar Usman, a trader at Wunti Market, explained that most newly arrived clothing materials, such as wrappers and brocade, were slightly more expensive than older stock in the market, which he described as normal.
“Most of the new arrivals are a bit higher than the old materials already in the market, but that is expected because of supply costs,” he said.
Another trader, Hajiya Shafa Abubakar, who deals in women’s clothing, said that prices had remained largely unchanged compared to the previous month.
According to her, a wrapper currently sells for about N13,000, while the same item sold for between N13,500 and N14,000 last month, indicating that prices had remained relatively stable.
“In spite of the stable prices, sales have been low because many people do not have enough money. Some customers still visit the market occasionally, but the patronage is not encouraging,” she said.
Abubakar noted, that market activities were better last year, even when food prices were high.
A customer, Sani Musa, also said the prices of clothing were not excessively high, adding that the items were still worth their value.
“The challenge is that people do not have enough money to spend. The clothes are fairly priced considering their quality,” he said.
He added that fluctuations in the dollar exchange rate were affecting the economy, urging patience and expressing hope for better days ahead.
“We are in the hands of Allah, and we will continue to do our best to provide for our families,” Musa said.
