Lagos, a lively and the most populous state in Nigeria is well-known for its busy markets and unique shopping experiences. When it comes to buying second-hand clothes, better known as Okrika, Lagos offers a variety of markets that can meet the needs of fashion lovers and bargain seekers.
These markets are packed with one-of-a-kind, affordable clothing choices to suit various fashion needs. If you are looking for pocket-friendly second-hand clothing for men, women, or even children, then you need to look no further as Lagos has different booming second-hand clothes markets to cater to your fashion needs.
Tribune Online presents the top 10 second-hand clothes markets to explore in Lagos.
1. Yaba Market
When it comes to a market with affordable clothing, Yaba market, situated on the Lagos mainland, can never be relegated to a backseat. The market is a go-to place for affordable second-hand clothes, especially popular among the students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) and Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), who patronise the market to meet up with their fashion needs at affordable prices.
To get the best out of the Yaba market, the best days of the week to visit the market are Wednesday and Friday, while the best time of the day to shop for clothing is between 6 am and 9 am.
2. Katangua Market
Katangua market is located in the Abule Egba area of Lagos. The market is popularly known as the “bend down select market.” At Katangua, there are virtually no fashion items you can’t get at affordable prices. Apart from second-hand clothes, you can equally get household items at cheap prices in this market. To increase your chances of getting high-quality clothes, it is advisable to visit the market as early as 6 am on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, as the sellers mostly open new bales of clothes during those periods.
3. Aswani Market
Here is yet another market to get pocket-friendly second-hand clothes in Lagos. Aswani market is situated at Osolo way in the Isolo area of Lagos state. The market is well-known for selling high-quality second-hand clothes, footwear, and household items at arguably the cheapest prices. At Aswani, every Tuesday is specially set aside as market days. Hence, it is best advisable to visit the market on a Tuesday. Equally, I should inform you that the market is best visited between 8 am and 11 am. By visiting Aswani market, you are certain of getting value for your money.
4. Oshodi Market
Oshodi market is located in the Oshodi area of Lagos state, which is one of the most popular areas in Lagos state. If you are interested in purchasing high-quality second-hand clothes at affordable prices, then you may need to add Oshodi market to the list of the markets to visit. The market, which has undergone huge transformation in recent times, is now easy to navigate around.
While Oshodi market bubbles every day, the best time to shop for second-hand clothes in the market is on Monday morning and evening.
5. Ajah Market
This market is situated on Lagos Island and offers a wide array of second-hand clothes and other items such as shoes and bags at affordable prices. The market is also well known for selling staple food items. To get the best clothing bargain, Ajah market is best visited early in the morning from 9 am upwards on Sundays.
6. Balogun Market
Balogun market, popularly known as Eko market, is regarded by many as the hub of textiles and fabrics in Lagos. At the market, quality second-hand clothes can be purchased at affordable prices. Balogun market is a must-visit for anyone looking for a wide variety of fabric options. The market, which is located at the heart of Lagos Island, spreads across many streets on the Island. There is no specific market day at Balogun market; however, it is best visited early in the morning.
7. Tejuosho Market
Tejuosho Market, situated along the Ojuelegba-Itire Road in Yaba, Lagos State, Nigeria, is a state-of-the-art market complex. It comprises two phases, Phase I and Phase II, housing approximately 2,383 lock-up shops within a spacious four-storey building. Contrary to popular belief, it offers affordable options for buying clothes. The best time to visit is during the day when the market is bustling with activity.
8. Bali Market
If you are a corporate worker or job seeker looking for classy second-hand office clothes, then Bali Market is the place for you. The market, located off Broad Street on Lagos Island, offers authentic first-class used designer clothes at affordable prices. Should I say a visit to Bali market will surely convince you? Yes, it will.
9. Idumota Market
Idumota Market is located on Lagos Island in Lagos State. It is not only known for its vast array of goods but also for its thriving second-hand clothes market. This market is a popular destination for those looking for affordable and unique clothing options.
10. Mushin Market
Last but not least is Mushin market, which is also a bustling hub for second-hand clothes in Lagos. It offers a wide range of options, from casual wear to traditional attire. The market is located in the Mushin area of Lagos and is best visited during the day.