Bend-down boutiques are very popular in this part of the world. In Nigeria, they are popularly known as Okirika or just OK while the Yankee Nigerians and some bloggers refer to it as "Thrift shops". Whichever category you fall under, I hope you get the clear picture of what I'm talking about? Well as much as some people don't want to identify with them because they feel it's beneath them or they can't imagine themselves wearing second-hand clothes, they are very important to the average Nigerian. It reminds me of that Julius Agwu's song "Bend-down select".

Now I see it as an opportunity to get some really pricey labels at a very cheap price. Most bloggers you know, don't spend a fortune on clothes as you presumed and most of the slay kings and queens you know thrifted some of their best pieces. To get the best out of thrift-shopping there are certain rules that you need to apply, they include:


1. Lose The Attitude:
Anty Siri we know you only wear tear-rubber clothes, but the day you decide to go thrift-shopping please get off your high horse. It won't help you in a Nigerian market, it would only make the sellers give you very outrageous prices. These sellers can smell a snub from afar off and once they detect it from you, mehn they're gonna charge you. So if you're going to shop in the market, be humble!

2. Be Patient:
Thrift-shopping requires patience, a lot of it. It is not a shopping mall, it is very informal and the sellers don't usual have time to sort out the clothes according to colors and sizes. The first few clothes you pick up might be too large or too small for you, don't be discouraged, keep digging!

3. Know Your Size:
This is very important. Whether you're shopping for shoes, belts, dresses, underwear or any other thing, know your size. Whilst some sellers maybe very liberal and allow you to try out what you want to buy, some others won't. Now on this point, another factor that comes into play is the nature of the market or location. If you're buying jean trousers in the market, you might not see where to try them on. Remember it's not a regular boutique where you can walk in with a receipt and demand a refund or an exchange, in this instance, you might be stuck with something that isn't your size.

via Buzz Nigeria

4. Negotiate:
Do I really need to remind a true African female the power of negotiation? Yes I do! I learnt negotiation from my mother. I've seen my mother buy something that the initial price was 9,000 Naira for 1,150 Naira, it will just happen like a miracle to you. You need to negotiate, It's not the regular boutique where the clothes have price tags attached to it. In an African market there is freedom of negotiation.
P.S: Don't fall for that emotional blackmail where they tell you that a big boy/girl like you is haggling price, it's all part of their business strategy.

5. Be Vigilant!
Be on alert for a lot of things, pick pockets, bag snatchers, etc. I'm not trying to scare you but it's all part of what you see in an everyday market. It's also important to watch out for those that will try to take away the finer things you've selected. This is the number one cause of fights at bend-down boutiques. Please don't get into a fight... we wouldn't want that.

Shopping at a bend-down boutique is a serious adventure, for some of us it has become quite normal but every shopping has it's own drama and lessons. Try it! You'll find very amazing and cool stuff. For the drama, it's part of what makes Nigeria a fun country to live in.

Have your ever been to a bend-down boutique? What do you think about it? Feel free to share your personal shopping rule with us or your experience below in the comment box.

Okirika ooo or shopping mall oo or online mall oo, just

Remain Stylish,
Love Sharon.