"The secret behind the popularity of local fashion shops"

When you shop locally, you support an entire community not just a business.

Last month, I visited a small local women’s clothing shop located at Akoka road near my area, and it turned out to be a really nice experience. The shop isn’t big, but it has a warm and welcoming feeling that makes you want to stay a little longer. From the outside, I could see colorful dresses displayed on the mannequin, and some displayed using only hangers.

When I stepped inside, I was greeted by a friendly woman who smiled and spoke in my local dialect meaning, “Welcome, madam.” The shop smelled clean and fresh, and though it wasn’t air-conditioned, there was a standing fan that kept the place cool. The walls were decorated with simple wall papers. It felt homely, not too fancy, but very comfortable.

	Traditional wears displayed

	Cooperate wears displayed

The shop had a wide range of clothes for women of different ages. There were Ankara gowns, blouses, skirts, and even a few office wears. Some clothes were displayed on mannequins, while others were neatly folded on shelves. I liked that everything was easy to see and reach.
The owner, whom I later learned was called Aunty Ogonnaya, told me that most of her clothes were locally made by tailors around the community.

Some hanging cloths on display

She explained how she supported young designers by helping them sell their work in her shop. I found that very thoughtful.

Aunty Ogonnaya attended to everyone who came to buy some of her clothes with patience and care. She helped one customer pick a nice wrapper that matched her blouse and told another lady which dress looked best on her. You could tell she enjoyed what she did.

Aunty Ogonnaya holding the mannequin

back view of the cloth

A particular dress got my attention from a distance and that made me came close to see for myself. Aunty Ogonnaya without wasting time brought out the cloth and talked me into buying it. She quickly brought it out and told me all the benefits of this particular gown she even gave me a guarantee and an advice on how to style it with flat shoes and simple earrings. I liked how she spoke kindly, without trying to force a sale. When I asked for the price, it was quite affordable and she still gave me a small discount since it was my first visit.

	A beautiful dress I bought from the shop

Items	Price in Naira (#)	Price in Steem (S)
• Traditional gown	#11000	78 steem
• Corporate gown	#12000	80 steem
• Skirts	#7000	50 steem
• Blouse	#5000	48 steem
• Two piece	#900	6.4 steem

Before leaving, she thanked me warmly and told me to come again. I left the shop with a smile, not just because of the beautiful dress I bought, but because of how friendly and peaceful the place felt.

	A selfie while about to leave the shop

That visit reminded me that local shops like this are special, they may not have fancy designs or big names, but they have heart, quality, and a personal touch that makes shopping enjoyable.

I visited her shop again few days ago to take the pictures for this challenge.

Proof of payment

Location	Informations
Shop location	Directly opposite Redeemed Christian church of God
Google map	https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ftk1pVgaTmeAxUR6A
Redeemed church location	G9JQ+842, St Finbarr's College Rd, Akoka, Lagos 102216, Lagos
Opening hours	24 hours mon-sat
Opening time	9am- 9pm
Payment type	Transfer and cash
Socials	Non
Accessibility	Easily accessible, right on the road
Steem atlas location	[//]:# (!steematlas 6.5307875 lat 3.38770312 long Redeemed church Akoka road d3scr)