Okirika/Thrift is now the next best option after branded/already-made clothes in the Nigerian market. If you’re new to the term, Okrika means second-hand clothes. The name was derived from the name of the town in Rivers State, Okirika, where the majority of these second-hand clothes were shipped. Okirika can also mean any pre-owned item and can include; shoes, hats/caps, books, belts, and bags.
The origin of Okrika clothes can be traced back to the 1950s and 1960s. This is debatable though. For a very long time, they were the most purchased clothes in the country. These thrifted clothes have various names by which Nigerians know them. They include: ‘bend-down select’, ‘bo si corner’, ‘wo o wo’ and more recently, ‘thrift’.
Although a lot of Nigerians used to consider buying Okirika as something for the poor and lower class, this is a false narrative. Nigeria, as a country, cannot bear the brunt of producing its clothes and most clothes sold in boutiques are imported wears from Turkey, China, London, etc. and they are too pricey for the average person so people opt for the better alternative.
Nowadays, social media apps like Facebook and Instagram are filled with thrift vendors making a living from selling boots, clothes, and bags to customers online. It is a very competitive enterprise though.
Here are some facts to know when going thrifting;
Shop in the Right Market:
Do your research and ask about the popular thrift market in your area. This is so you can get a wide range of options for whatever you’re looking for at an affordable price.
Have a Good Eye for Selecting Thrift Items:
If you don’t shine your eye, you’ll probably get scammed in broad daylight and end up with rags if you’re shopping for clothes. If you’re new to the game, take a trusted, experienced person with you to the market so they can help guide you on the defects to look out for.
Keep to Your Style when Shopping:
To avoid looking tacky, pick versatile clothes that complement your body type.
Avoid ‘Thrift Boutiques’:
If it seems fancy, avoid it. Avoid stores that have thrifted clothes draped on a mannequin’s body or hung on their glass showcases. Their prices almost rival the already-made wear sold in the same fashion.
Avoid Impulse Buying:
Take your time and sift through the clothes available in the sellers’ shop and make strategic purchases. Invest more in cotton and linen pieces for durability.
Get Your Customers Contact:
This is especially helpful when a new bale of clothes arrives so you can be one of the first ones to make your picks before the good items are all gone.
Note: Make sure to wash all thrifted items before wearing them. Okirika is notable for its smell and it is proper hygiene to wash any clothes before donning them. To further buttress this warning, some research has claimed that these clothes harbour microbial organisms.
