Kachi Ogbonna

1. Increased preference for e-commerce

The first driving force for the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is e-commerce a.k.a. online shopping.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of e-commerce in Onitsha, with more consumers turning to online shopping to avoid crowded marketplaces. According to a report by Statista, the e-commerce market in Nigeria is projected to grow to $3.3 billion by 2025. Businesses that want to succeed in Onitsha need to have an online presence and invest in e-commerce capabilities.

As everyone can see, there is something now known as ‘the new normal’. Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has come and gone, but some of the things it introduced has come to stay. Furthermore, e-commerce platforms have also made it easier for small businesses to reach a wider audience, allowing them to grow their customer base beyond their local market.

2. Growing preference for quality

The second driving force for the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is quality over inferior products.

There was a time in Onitsha that it used to be anything goes for the customers. In fact, as at that time inferior products are known to sell faster probably because they are cheaper. But with the evolving customers behaviour in Onitsha that is becoming a thing of the past.

Consumers in Onitsha are becoming more discerning and are willing to pay for quality products and services. This shift can be attributed to the increasing awareness of the benefits of buying high-quality products, including durability and better performance. As such, businesses that prioritize quality have an advantage in the market as they are more likely to attract and retain customers.According to a survey by Accenture, 64% of Nigerian consumers are willing to pay more for high-quality products. Businesses that offer high-quality products and services are likely to attract more customers and build a loyal customer base.

3. Emphasis on convenience

The next driving force for the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is convenience.

Have you heard that saying that the 21st century customer is busy, lazy and yet crazy. Yes, that is the reality of today.

So in today’s fast-paced world, consumers in Onitsha are looking for convenience in their shopping experience. Businesses that offer convenient payment methods, delivery options, and easy returns are likely to win over customers. For example, businesses that offer doorstep delivery services are likely to be more popular than those that do not.

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4. Increased focus on health and wellness

For the past 4 weeks I have been involved in handling the health condition of a relative. And from the experience so far all I can tell you is that that cliche ‘health is wealth’ is no joke at all. If there is anything one should prioritize above every other thing in this life, it should be one’s health.

And I can tell you for free that health and wellness have become a top priority for consumers in Onitsha. And that is even more so in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Consumers are looking for businesses that offer products and services that promote good health and well-being. For example, businesses that offer healthy food options, gym memberships, and wellness programs are likely to attract health-conscious consumers.

5. Embracing digital payments

Another major point in the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is the issue of digital payments. Even before the current CBN naira redesign policy that has brought about serious cash scarcity many people in Onitsha as well as other parts of the country have embraced the issue of digital payments.

So when you meet consumers in Onitsha, one of the things you discover is that they are increasingly embracing digital payment methods such as mobile money and card payments. According to data from the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) e-payment transactions in Nigeria surged by 55% in January 2023. Businesses that offer digital payment options are likely to attract more customers and make transactions more convenient.

6. Increased interest in sustainability

Next important point on the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is interest in sustainability.

Consumers in Onitsha are becoming more environmentally conscious and are looking for businesses that promote sustainability. This trend is partly driven by the growing awareness of the impact of human activities on the environment and the need to protect it for future generations. As such, businesses that prioritize sustainability and ethical practices are likely to have a competitive advantage.

Businesses that offer eco-friendly products and services are likely to attract environmentally conscious consumers. For example, businesses that use biodegradable packaging or promote energy conservation are likely to be more popular than those that do not.

7. Social Media Engagement

The evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha is also defined by social media engagement.

Yes, social media is playing an increasingly important role in shaping consumer behavior in Onitsha. With the rise of social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, consumers have more access to information about products and services than ever before. Many businesses in Onitsha have embraced social media as a marketing tool, using platforms like Instagram to showcase their products and reach a wider audience.

8. Less Commitment to Brand Loyalty

Finally on the evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha id the issue of brand loyalty.

Brand loyalty is becoming less important. While brand loyalty was once a significant factor in purchasing decisions in Onitsha, consumers are now more willing to switch brands if they find better quality, price, or convenience elsewhere. This trend is partly driven by the increasing availability of information about products and services, which allows consumers to make more informed decisions about what they buy.

Wrapping it Up on The Evolving Consumer Behaviour in Onitsha

The evolving consumer behaviour in Onitsha

In conclusion, the evolving consumer behavior in Onitsha presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses. By keeping up with the changing trends and meeting the evolving needs of their customers, businesses can stay relevant and succeed in this dynamic market. From embracing e-commerce to offering high-quality products and services, businesses that prioritize the evolving needs of their customers are likely to build a loyal customer base and grow their business.