Thanks to Instagram vendors, there’s hardly any stigma around okrika clothes these days. However, it’s hard to shake the feeling the rebrand of “okrika” to “thrift” is doing more harm than good. These days, the vendors compete with boutique owners for the most ridiculous price. When you say, “But this is okrika now”, you’ll get responses like “We factored in transport fare, the stress of selecting the best pieces, bla bla bla.”
If you’re tired of the back and forth, and want to dump these vendors for good, we’ve compiled some actual okrika markets in Lagos sure to give you value for money.
Iyana LUTH Bus stop, Mushin
Listen, if you’re in the market for the sickest okrika footwear, this is your plug. The Hausa traders open shop around 5 p.m. every day, and they’ve got everything from sneakers to corporate shoes. Their prices go as low as ₦1500, depending on your price-haggling skills.
Aswani market, Oshodi
The good thing about this market? You might go for shoes and clothes but return home with interior décor, kitchen utensils and electronics, just because of how ridiculously cheap the prices are. Before inflation hit, prices were as low as ₦20 – ₦50 for clothing items, but these days expect to spend ₦100 – ₦300 for the same things. But you need a strong eye for fashion to find the best pieces and style them to perfection. To catch the newest stock, best to visit on Tuesdays around 8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Katangua, Abule Egba
Everyone knows this market but hardly visits it because of the distance and insane stress levels involved in navigating the place. But if you’ve got the energy and your price-haggling game is tight, this might be the sickest okrika market you’ll come across. Their items are close to new, and you’ll get pieces from high-end designers too. They get new stock on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It’s best to visit around 6 a.m. – 10 a.m. on these days.
Yaba market
If you ask UNILAG and Yabatech students, they’ll tell you Yaba market is now overrated. But that doesn’t mean you should rule it out completely. Just make sure you go with an OG thrifter who can beat down the prices. Avoid Yaba if you’re new to okrika; the traders will see you as a JJC and sell at boutique prices. Best to visit on Wednesdays and Fridays around 6 a.m. and 9 a.m.
Arena market, Oshodi
Arena market is similar to Aswani market in terms of range, but the prices are slightly higher. Still, you’ll get fashion items at under ₦1000. You’ll also find ridiculously cheap deals for electronic appliances, beddings, cooking utensils and interior décor items. Monday visits work best for this market if you want the best offerings.
Cele market
This market isn’t as popular as others on the list, but best believe it should be on your radar. They’ve got everything from shoes and bags to household items. Prices can go as low as ₦2000 or as high as ₦5000, depending on what you’re buying. Best to visit on weekdays and in the evening, when the traders are fully open.
