Welcome to nabugabo, no haggling, no courtesy
Oct 13, 2006
Nabugabo and Owino (St. Balikudembe) markets are similar shopping arenas — life moves in the fast lane. Throughout the day, the shopping alleys in both markets are filled with vendors tussling for clients.
By Raphael Okello
Nabugabo and Owino (St. Balikudembe) markets are similar shopping arenas — life moves in the fast lane. Throughout the day, the shopping alleys in both markets are filled with vendors tussling for clients.
You may occasionally be called to elbow your way through some congested corridors but the three-storied shopping arcade is a decent version of the open-air Owino Market.
About a year ago, I pushed my way through the corridors lined on either side by stalls filled with cheap new merchandise from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Dubai and a few from Europe. I was surprised to learn that the very items are sold three times higher in many shopping malls in Kampala.
Nabugabo provides a range of textile, garments, shoes, handbags and belts for women, men and children. For a first-time shopper at Nabugabo, the prices are amazingly low. Designer shirts, pure cotton collar and collarless T-shirts, which cost over sh20,000 elsewhere can be got here at sh9,000 to 12,000. Ladies’ stilettos, casual and formal flat shoes cost between sh8,000 and 30,000. Men’s shoes (leather and synthetic) cost between sh15,000 to sh40,000.
Jeans, corduroys, kaki and casual trousers cost between sh15,000 and sh20,000.
However, do not stress yourself bargaining so intensely. You will be disappointed. Nabugabo’s prices do not have traces of Balikudembe’s flexibility, where, depending on the customer’s ability to bargain, an item can be bought three times lower than the initial price.
Nabugabo is a wholesaler’s shopping haven and a retailer’s shopping paradise. There is no time for haggling. The best you can do is buy more than one piece, which gives you a chance to buy at a wholesale price.
Because these items are imported in bulk, chances that you will find someone else on the streets wearing the same outfit are high. If you are the type who prefers to wear unique outfits, Nabugabo is not your place.
Some products are very beautiful but not long lasting, especially those from Taiwan.
Nabugabo and Owino (St. Balikudembe) markets are similar shopping arenas — life moves in the fast lane. Throughout the day, the shopping alleys in both markets are filled with vendors tussling for clients.
You may occasionally be called to elbow your way through some congested corridors but the three-storied shopping arcade is a decent version of the open-air Owino Market.
About a year ago, I pushed my way through the corridors lined on either side by stalls filled with cheap new merchandise from China, Taiwan, Thailand, Dubai and a few from Europe. I was surprised to learn that the very items are sold three times higher in many shopping malls in Kampala.
Nabugabo provides a range of textile, garments, shoes, handbags and belts for women, men and children. For a first-time shopper at Nabugabo, the prices are amazingly low. Designer shirts, pure cotton collar and collarless T-shirts, which cost over sh20,000 elsewhere can be got here at sh9,000 to 12,000. Ladies’ stilettos, casual and formal flat shoes cost between sh8,000 and 30,000. Men’s shoes (leather and synthetic) cost between sh15,000 to sh40,000.
Jeans, corduroys, kaki and casual trousers cost between sh15,000 and sh20,000.
However, do not stress yourself bargaining so intensely. You will be disappointed. Nabugabo’s prices do not have traces of Balikudembe’s flexibility, where, depending on the customer’s ability to bargain, an item can be bought three times lower than the initial price.
Nabugabo is a wholesaler’s shopping haven and a retailer’s shopping paradise. There is no time for haggling. The best you can do is buy more than one piece, which gives you a chance to buy at a wholesale price.
Because these items are imported in bulk, chances that you will find someone else on the streets wearing the same outfit are high. If you are the type who prefers to wear unique outfits, Nabugabo is not your place.
Some products are very beautiful but not long lasting, especially those from Taiwan.