Less than 24 hours to the St. Valentine’s Day, an increase in the purchase of adult-themed toys, lingerie (women’s underwear), cakes and wigs have been recorded, according to a survey by the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, in Lagos.
The survey was conducted at The Palms Mall, Lekki, and Novera Mall, Sangotedo, on Friday.
The St. Valentine’s Day is celebrated annually on February 14.
Wikipedia says about St Valentine’s Day,, “The day originated as a minor Western Christian feast day honouring one or two early Christian martyrs named Saint Valentine.
“However, through later folk traditions, it has become a significant cultural, religious, and commercial celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.’’
Founder and Coach, Soul Spice Sex Reflection, Mrs Hannah Jonathan, told NAN that about a 45 per cent increase in the sale of adult-themed toys had been recorded as compared with 2019.
Jonathan attributed the increase in sales to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on outings and social gatherings; a development which she said had limited the activities of couples to the confines of their homes.
Sex Enhancement Activities
She stated that Nigerians had become more open to exploring new options to spicing up sexual activities, particularly, during the Valentine’s Day celebration.
She said, “This year is way better than last year, even though, during the lockdown, we almost ran out of stock on our sex toys.
“And, in spite of the over 100 per cent increase in prices, people are still willing to buy.
“I will say to you that so far, we have recorded a 45 per cent increase in the sales of all our items.
“Married persons are no longer shy to explore and be vocal about exploring what they want, especially, attaining climax with our orgasm cream. People are even giving out these toys as gifts to their partners and loved ones.
“I made about 50 adult-themed cards as a trial run and they are almost out of stock. So, generally, sales are better this year and we are glad for it.”
A salesperson at Lulu Lingerie, Ms Ruth Expama, said she was hopeful that people would do more purchases as the Valentine’s Day approaches.
Ekpama said that the norm was for buyers to wait till the day got closer and look out for attractive Valentine deals, before making purchases.
She added, “So far, we are just expectant, even though we have not recorded that many sales.
“But today is a Friday and the Valentine’s Day is a Sunday, the weekend fever will definitely catch up with people.
“They will expectedly visit our shops in their numbers as has been the norm.”
Bakers Smile
Some bakers across the metropolis also said there had been a 50 per cent increase in the orders for cakes, to celebrate the day.
Director, CakesbyButtercup, Mrs Oluwatobiloba Agbebi, attributed the increment to the fact that cakes and celebrations usually go hand in hand.
She said, “People are just really grateful to still be alive to celebrate their loved ones, following the deaths and negativities recorded from the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“Sales have been awesome. I can say this year’s Valentine celebration is better than last year’s.
“This is probably because people have gone through a lot with the COVID-19, and their loved ones want to make them feel good.’’
She added, “I have four orders going to the same family for Val; so, you can tell how happy people are to be alive at this period
“I designed a “Be Mine” package that is affordable; 12 chocolate and red velvet cupcakes, fully decorated, costs N5,000. The same, but with an added bottle of wine, go for N7,500.
“The six inches chocolate and red velvet cake with a bottle of fruit wine and a card costs N8,000. An additional chocolate bar to that package makes it N10, 000.’’
Another baker, Mrs Kanimo Dimas-Okuo, Managing Director, Neemo’s CREAMCakes, said that Valentine’s Day celebration impacts on cake orders had slightly shored up.
This, she attributed to new, creative and innovative ideas springing up daily on cake decorating designs, packages and Valentine’s Day giveaways.
“Valentine’s impact on cakes has, for me, slightly gone up even with all that is happening with the COVID-19 on the purchasing power of citizens.”
Dimas-Okuo noted that a box of 12 cupcakes in chocolate, vanilla and red velvet with whipped cream, chocolate and fruit toppings plus a mini fruit wine, costs N4,500, while 12 cupcakes with a box of chocolates and a bottle of non-alcoholic wine, cost N7,500.
“Also, eight inches double-layered buttercream cake, with a box of chocolates and bottle of mini non-alcoholic wine, goes for N10,500.
“All these are within the affordable range of an average Nigerian to celebrate their loved ones, in spite of the current financial situation of many persons.”
More Wigs
A wig dealer and Chief Executive Officer of Wholesome Hairs, Miss Latifah Abu, said that the purchases of wigs had gone up by over 50 per cent, especially for the most sought after being “bone straight” hairs.
Abu noted that ladies’ preference for more meaningful, impactful and long-lasting gifts was responsible for the development.
She stated that hair dealers had taken advantage of the season to provide good deals for their customers, which led to improved patronage.
Abu said, “Ladies have stepped up to receiving nice hairs as gifts at any season of celebration and Valentine’s Day is not left out.
“I have been sorting hair delivery back to back with the majority of my orders coming from the menfolk, who know the value of adding beauty to a woman’s looks through good hair.
“So, sales have really gone up and it will remain so for almost a week after the Valentine’s Day celebration.”
Other items observed to be in high demand to celebrate the ‘’love’’ day include cards, roses, towels, mugs, picture frames, matching clothing items and perfumes.
