Here’s What Fashion Entrepreneurs Think About E-Commerce Vs. The Conventional Walk-In Method For Selling Fashion Items

E-commerce is widely becoming an acceptable channel for advertising and marketing products, goods and services. E-commerce, whether in the form of online auction, electronic markets or online retailers, has helped many industries, including the fashion industry in Africa.

We spoke to fashion business owners, including fashion designers and fashion accessory makers on what they think about the various forms of e-commerce, and whether they prefer it to the conventional walk-in method. Here are their comments;

Do You Prefer To Sell Your Products On A Website Or An Online Platform, Or Do You Prefer The Conventional Walk-In Method?

Joy Onyegbula, the creative director of Em_Jay Creations, a women’s fashion brand that specializes in making unique and innovative outfits for women all over the world, prefers online platforms.

“I prefer online platforms because with them, my brand can reach lots of people all over the world. Most of my clients were gotten through online platforms, and it has helped my brand visibility in different parts of the world.”

Adesola Adepoju, the creative director of Ardeysola Couture, a fashion brand that makes bespoke  outfits for females, prefers the conventional walk-in method, although her brand employs the use of both.

“I prefer the conventional walk-in method basically because it’s faster.”

Savage Jariyah, the owner of Savvy Clothiers, a fashion brand that specializes in female wears, had this to say;

“I prefer selling online, because in this digital age, I have noticed that people prefer online shopping.”

Barakat Adesina, the owner and creative director of DeshB Apparels, a bespoke and ready-to-wear fashion brand, shared this with us;

“Honestly, I don’t prefer one over the other. This is because though the online method is easier, the conventional walk-in method is more suitable for such emergencies as when the outfit is needed urgently.”

Nifemi Akano, the creative director of WunmiApril, a women’s fashion brand that covers all attires for different occasions, prefers the conventional method.

“It gives more room for designers to connect with clients, as well as to convince them to patronize the brand, that is, emotional marketing.”

Kindness Maurice, the owner of Kay Maure Couture, a ready-to-wear female fashion brand, doesn’t favour one method over the other.

“Online platforms and websites are very beneficial because of the digital times we live in. But a walk-in store is also very credible, as the chances of clients being duped by scammers are slim.”

Oluwadamisi Ogunsanya, the creative director of Seamed by Sparkles, a ready-to-wear fashion brand had this to say;

“I prefer the online platform because it has really helped my brand gain more clients and grow.”

Christiana Akinbode, the owner of Rotunds Collections, a fashion accessory brand that caters for the afrocentric woman, shared this with us;

“I prefer online platforms, and websites because the world has gone fully digital, and most of my target market are on online platforms. So, it creates more visibility for my brand.”

Victoria Oyeboade, the owner and creative director of Megan Atelier, a fashion brand that focuses on Africa luxury fashion, as well as bridal and ready-to-wear pieces, shared this with us;

“I prefer using online platforms because there are more users on the Internet which provides a wider range of target customers. Also, through online platforms, some basic questions are answered easily.”

Mariam Osukoya, the owner of Mayboryhme, a women’s brand that specializes in bespoke and ready-to-wear outfits had this to say; 

“I like both the conventional walk-in and online platform method, this is because my brand is a bespoke one and clients will have to come in for measurements. But if the measurements can be sent accurately online, that works also.”

What Is Your Favorite Online Market And Why?

Joy Onyegbula of Em_Jay Creations  prefers Instagram, here’s why;

“I experienced my first huge sale on Instagram, and I believe the Instagram market is huge irrespective of what you’re selling.”

Adesola Adepoju, of Ardeysola Couture had this to say;

“I prefer Jumia because my products would be able to reach a wider range of audience, and the payment method is efficient too.”

Savage Jariyah of Savvy Clothiers, had this to say;

“I love Jumia because they are very flexible, and they have good customer service.”

Barakat Adesina of DeshB Apparels shared this with us;

“Products can reach a wider range of people so far it is on Amazon.”

Nifemi Akano of WunmiApril had this to say;

“Instagram is my preferred choice because it has more users that cuts across all age groups, so I’m certain my target customers will be present.”

Kindness Maurice of Kay Maure Couture shared this with us;

“My favorite online store would have to be Jumia because with their different categories, you’re certain your target customers would be present.”

Oluwadamisi Ogunsanya of Seamed by Sparkles had this to say;

“I prefer Instagram because fashion brands have access to lots of target customers, and I have personally gotten a lot of clients from there.”

Christiana Akinbode of Rotunds Collections shared her thoughts;

“Jumia is a very versatile platform, so it’s my go-to online market.”

Victoria Oyeboade of Megan Atelier had this to say;

“My favorite online market has to be Amazon, because it has a sustainable competitive advantage.”

Mariam Osukoya of Mayboryhme shared this with us;

“Instagram has the ability to capture potential customers, so it’s my go-to online store.”

These are the opinions of fashion business owners concerning e-commerce, how it compares to the conventional walk-in method and how it has  helped their fashion brand grow.