A market where businesses are conducted for a maximum period of between 3.30 pm and 4.30pm at most on week days only in Umuahia, Abia State capital is waxing stronger as days go by.
The operations and periods are aimed at attracting prospective buyers, especially civil servant eager to rush home at the close of work, to pick items to prepare dinner.
Uncovered and without tables and chairs, the market operates on a vacant narrow spot at the entrance of Umuahia North local government council headquarters.
It is more than a roadside market in the sense that the traders in their strategic thinking literarily take their wares right to the door steps of the prospective buyers unhindered.
Items sold in the market range from various kinds fresh vegetables and fruits, cooking oil, fish and crayfish, potatoes, yams, garri grains, plantain, and second hand bags and shoes among others.
Finding indicated that the major target of the traders are the scores of staff members of the council, government offices, and business places around the the vicinity of the market.
Speaking to LEADERSHIP on why they preferred the market to the established and larger ones, some buyers informed that items sold in the market are relatively cheaper and fresher.
She noted that this could be because the traders understood that majority of those who patronise them are mostly civil servants and are enlightened.
”Its presence saves me the time and money I would have spent to go to either Orie Ugba or Isigate when I can buy the items here.” related one of them.
According to another, she prefers to buy from the market so that she can go home straight from there after working for about eight hours to rest.
Similarly, one of the traders said she operates in the market to save running cost and due its proximity to her residence which is along the adjoining Ojike Street.
”It might surprise you to hear that I make as much sales within the period the market last as I used to make at Orie Ugba in a day,” she added.
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