Navigating your way through the Lekki Arts & Crafts Market
Also known as Jakande Market, the Lekki Arts & Crafts Markets is the ideal open air market in Lagos.
Anything and everything can be found at this market:
- Kitchen essentials
- Furniture
- Jewellery
- Art
All at very affordable prices (after heavy negotiation of course).
Shopping in the first stall – definitely overwhelming.
I bought the first bag I saw, rookie mistake. It was 2500 naira, and 2000 naira at the immediate next stall.
After that first purchase trust that I wisened up.
Browsing the products all the stalls had was naturally our next move (my shopping companion and I).
Make sure you have your bargaining hats on. You’ll be urged to buy things you most likely do not need. The beauty of the market is actually incredible.
My next purchase was a handbag which was originally 5000 naira, but after heavily negotiating with the vendor in Yoruba (thank you Temi – pictured left) we were able to bargain 3500 naira and because of the little banter we had with the vendor after he realised we were Yoruba, he threw in 2 small Amethyst stones (a semi-precious stone).
When you go make sure the vendor knows you’re a Lagos local so they don’t hike up the price as they tend to do for tourists.
If you are a tourist try to go with a Lagosian ( or someone who can bargain), that way you’re sure not to get taken for a ride.
Like any market in Lagos it’s easier to bargain with vendors and get a reasonable price when you speak their language.
They see you as their “sister” or “brother”, and feel they can relate with you better.
By 3pm we were ready to leave, we had been walking for a little over an hour in the scorching heat and really we had seen most of the market.
I got to experience a part of Lagos I’d never seen, with a bit of art and culture. I loved it.
Tips for Lekki Crafts Market
- A rechargeable hand fan and water, BEYOND ESSENTIAL.
- Don’t buy from the first vendor you see – if there’s time, visit all the stalls – you’ll find better bargains, guaranteed.
- Build a rapport with the sellers (joke with them), that will guarantee you a good bargain
- Make a list of what you intend to buy before going.
- Have a budget and try to stick to it.
- Prepare to negotiate HEAVILY – haggling at Lagos markets is definitely an experience. The vendors tend to respond better to you if you speak the same language as they do.
- Go with someone who speaks any of the major Nigerian languages or is just really good at bargaining.
- Vendors may offer you their cards or numbers, you can take them for future references.
Time: 8am – 6pm
Location: Oba Elegushi Street | Off Lekki – Epe Expressway Between 4th and 5th Roundabout, Lagos, Nigeria.
Happy Shopping!
