18/03/2026
Years ago, I went to Uwa Mgbede at Relief Market onitsha to buy Sunday foodstuffs.
While buying, I saw some people selling dresses and i decided to get one for myself.
The first shop I entered was run by a woman I guess she will be in her early forties. I asked for a trouser that was hanging there and if I could try it on.
She said yes.
I wore it, but it clearly didn’t fit me. It was extremely tight, I have a big lap so because of that my friends don't gift me trouser ,I usually buy for myself..
So, I asked for a bigger size, but she said that type had finished and was convincing me to take the trouser that it fit me.
I knew it was tight, and I couldn’t pay for something I couldn’t wear, so I pulled it off.
Immediately, she got angry.
She said she had been in business for 25 years and that I didn’t know fashion. I tried explaining, but she insisted I leave and even threatened to slap me.
When I left, people were telling me I was lucky because she has a reputation for slapping or insulting anyone who doesn’t agree with her.
I angrily went home and told my sis about it . She laughed and said she had experienced the same woman before, that she even pushed her once, she described her and her shop and I confirmed it was the same person.
Fast forward to last week, I went to Ogbogonogo Market Asaba to buy a beret. I wanted a navy blue for a choir uniform.
The woman brought out a different shade of blue. I said, “No, that’s not what I need.”
She said, “Blue is blue, patronize me.” I told her no, and the next thing I heard was,
“Nne, biko get out of my shop.”
I was so embarrassed. I walked away and bought elsewhere.
I never knew people can be this callous.
After thinking about it, I realized a pattern. Both women have strong similar personalities.
One is physically aggressive, the other verbally. I kept asking myself, why am I always meeting people like this?
Then I understood it’s not me. Markets are full of new faces every day, and some vendors feel stressed and entitled and They’ve been doing this a long time, and some just react aggressively when things don’t go their way.
Some business owners are fond of that, naturally they hate rejection and they brought that trait into their business which is wrong .
Doing business doesnt give anyone the right to embarrass or intimidate a customer. Understanding what people want, controlling your stress,and respecting customers boundaries matters a lot.
That person you push away today could have been a loyal customer tomorrow. Solving your customers problem with your product should be the idea not creating problems with your product or embarrassing them..
A little patience and understanding will take you further than your experience ever will.
I hope this helps..
Mmadunagu Chinwendu Gloria
