It is assumed that the Aba market in Abia state is the biggest market for clothes and clothing materials in Nigeria, and perhaps Africa. Followed by Lagos clothing markets.
Aba market generates about $1 billion dollar in revenue, as the market not only boasts of large scale sales, but also of production of clothes and clothing accessories.
There are about five major markets in Aba, and they each “boast” of various grades and types of materials. It is often said that “whatever is not found in Aba, can not be found in other places”.
Materials are relatively affordable in Aba, but this depends solely on the grade of clothes one is interested in purchasing.
Ariaria International Market
Ariaria market is the biggest market in Aba, and considered the most organised as well. The market is divided into various sections, and each of the sections specialises on a particular commodity.
This market is known today as the international market, comprising various business units in Bakasi and Samek, as well as shops and plazas along Faulkner road leading even into Umule junction in Aba.
This market produces as well as sells clothing items on a large scale.
The lines where clothes and other materials of clothings are sold are mostly in A through D line for ready made. Thrifts, plain and patterned materials are displayed for sale along street entrances and large shops along road sides.
What makes Ariaria more inviting than most clothes markets in Aba are the presence of tailors on standby, ready to sew masterpieces out off these materials.
Visitors and buyers oftentimes find almost everything they need in this market, and so there is usually no need to venture further into other markets.
Ariaria market is open every day- except Mondays and Sundays, however the best days to buy first grade thrift materials; curtains, bedspread, plain and patterned materials for clothes, are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
It is advisable to come as early as 6am in the mornings to get the best qualities.
Cemetery Market
Eziukwu market, popularly known as Cemetery market is another huge market for clothes and clothing materials in Aba.
Opened every day of the week except Sundays and Mondays, this market offers for sale not just clothes, but also materials for beddings and curtains.
Cemetery is best for wholesalers and retailers; as fresh bales are opened daily in this market.
For traders who already open bales for sale to retailers, their wares are displayed in shops and in open spaces – where they can call out to buyers to patronise them.
Like every other thrift shopping, a person is expected to carefully select from the usual stack of clothes piled on the ground.
While this is a large market for thrift wears, other types of clothes and materials are also displayed for sale.
While there is no specific time or day for this market, it is advisable to go as early as possible in order to get the best offers.
Ahia Ohuru (New Market)
Ahia Ohuru is where you can find nice clothes at their cheapest price. Items to be found in this market include but are not limited to thrifts, Aba stock, Ankara and “ready made” Shoes, bags and even weaves are also to be found in this market.
Due to the crowd and the bulk of items for sale, the market has been divided into sections for ease of movement as well as for easy accessibility to commodities.
Each Line in the market offers a specific item for sale, so a particular Line might sell only Ankara materials, while the next could be selling Lace or other types of clothes.
The market is usually open from 8am to 6pm on Tuesdays to Saturday, but persons who are interested in buying bales are advised to go earlier than 8am in the mornings.
Ekeoha Market
After this market suffered a fire outbreak in the 70s, it was rebuilt into what is now referred to as Shopping Center by both indigenes and visitors alike.
In Ekeoha market, materials of all kinds are available for sale. Ankara fabrics, Indian George, Laces of different kinds, plain and patterned materials are sold in large quantities.
Traders sell both for both wholesalers and retailers, and offer waybill services to trusted customers across the country.
There is usually no specific day for this market, as it is open Tuesdays through Saturdays of every week. However, to get affordable and first grade materials, it is advisable to go early in the morning.
Kent Market
This market is known for selling vintage wear, materials of various colours and patterns at affordable prices.
Another gold mine of this market is that clothes can be measured and sold almost immediately they are bought, as there are available tailor shops in the market.
In Kent, visitors from across the country and continent patronise it for the well-tailored shirts and pants sworn by its tailors.
The market is surrounded by traders of various materials, however the main line where these are sold is called Hausa line.
The market is open Tuesday through Saturday, but to get the best deals, it is advisable to go on Tuesdays where new bales are opened.
Let’s wrap up at this point!
Abia, an economic hub in Nigeria’s east, boasts of large clothing markets that attest to its prosperity.
