At Allen Avenue, colours glittered from every corner as friends, loyal customers, and curious passers-by gathered to witness the opening of a new fabric store, Lagos Price.
For many who attended, it was a homecoming to a craft of indigenous fabrics that has dressed Nigerian identity for generations.
The beaded laces and damasks demonstrate that Nigerian fabrics are more than materials. They speak a language. They announce status at ceremonies and turn ordinary Sundays into fashion moments in churches. Fabric is memory, pride, and economy all at once.
That is the legacy Temitope Ottun, CEO of Lagos Price, grew up with. She said, “I didn’t learn business in a classroom. I learned it watching my mother spread ankara and lace on the floor of her shop.
“She would bargain, teach customers how to match colours, and remember every woman’s size without writing it down. That’s where my passion and interest started, from my mother’s hands.”
Ottun said she inherited not just her mother’s eye for quality but also her belief that selling fabric is selling dignity. “When a woman walks in for fabric for her daughter’s wedding, she’s not just buying ordinary fabrics. She’s buying class, beauty, and confidence.”
Long-time customers who had followed Ottun from her other stores came prepared to purchase their preferred choices of fabric.
“I have been buying from Temitope for over 15 years. She sells nothing but quality. If she says it’s Swiss, it is Swiss. If it’s Hollandis, it won’t fade after two washes. That’s why I’m here today,” said Mrs Tinu Jay, a regular customer.
Another customer and relative, Koiki Olayinka, who came all the way from the Island for the launch, noted, “I’m very picky. The reason I always come back to patronise her is the quality and class in the fabrics. You don’t get mismatched or substandard lace here. Temitope treats you like family, not just a customer.”
Addressing the guests and customers, Ottun assured them that the new store would raise the bar for excellent customer service.
“Here, excellence is the standard. We are promising our customers quality fabrics, fair prices, and service that respects your time. We will also offer style consultation, bulk packaging, and quick delivery across Lagos because women are busy, and your fabric should meet you where you are.”
With the rising cost of imported fabrics, customers are becoming more intentional about where they spend their money, looking for durability, authenticity, and trust.
As the music played and guests were served assorted food and drinks, Ottun danced with friends in celebration of the achievement.
(The Sun)