Tailors' Dilemma: Low Patronage Ahead of Sallah

Tailors' Dilemma: Low Patronage Ahead of Sallah

April 18, 2025

Typically, in the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr, both children and occasionally adults eagerly await their new clothes from different tailors. These times can be incredibly hectic for those who sew garments. Some seamstresses fulfill their commitments, but others fail to do so, which often leads to intense disputes and even physical altercations among devout Muslims who consider wearing fresh attire essential for the festivities. Often, it becomes quite tumultuous inside most tailor shops.

Paradoxically, with the approach of this year’s Sallah celebrations, tailors throughout Kano State find themselves bemoaning decreased business, contrary to previous years when they were bustling due to the high demand from countless customers.

Musa Bello, a 54-year-old government employee who also runs a tailor shop part-time, mentioned that times have changed when it comes to celebrating Sallah festivities.

Traditionally, during the weeks preceding Sallah, tailoring stores would typically be bustling, particularly in areas like Fagge within the Fagge Local Government Area and at Kofar Wambai. These locations often saw an influx of customers. This year though, things aren’t following their typical pattern, leaving numerous tailors concerned,’ he mentioned.

This year, numerous tailors are said to have garnered less than half of their usual earnings from clients.

Weekend Trust noticed that the formerly bustling sewing machines, which typically whirred well past midnight, have fallen quiet—even throughout daylight hours. Tailors who earlier turned away rush-hour requests because of high demand now sit idle as their potential clientele fails to show up, presumably out of concern.

A number of tailors blame the decrease in customers on the tough economic conditions affecting the nation. Escalating living costs, soaring inflation, and higher prices for essential items have made it difficult for numerous families to cover their everyday requirements and crucial expenditures, thus sidelining lesser priorities below fundamental human necessities.

Musa Tijjani, a tailor operating out of Kofar Wambai market, expressed his disappointment, stating, "In previous years during Sallah, my store was brimming with fabric orders for custom creations. However, this year, I could tally all incoming requests using just one hand. Individuals are voicing concerns over economic conditions. They mention not having enough funds to commission new garments and plan to wear their current outfits instead."

The increasing expense of sewing supplies has contributed to a decline in customer visits. In recent months, fabrics, zippers, buttons, and threads have experienced substantial price increases, compelling tailors to raise their fees. However, numerous customers are either not prepared to pay these higher costs or cannot afford them.

Ibrahim Shehu, another tailor working at Fagge, mentioned, "Before, our fee for sewing a basic kaftan was ₦5,000; however, because material costs have gone up, we must now ask for ₦8,000 or higher. Many clients consider this price point too steep and opt instead for off-the-rack garments, which can be less costly."

Weekend Trust further notes that an additional element impacting local tailors is the increasing prevalence of off-the-rack clothing typically sold online. Additionally, there has been a surge in imported apparel, particularly from China, Turkey, and Dubai, flooding numerous marketplaces—especially those found on the web—with cost-effective options regarding both quality and pricing. As a result, many locals prefer purchasing these widely available items over commissioning bespoke attire.

Aminu Lawan, a merchant at the Kantin Kwari marketplace, stated, "In today’s world, premium off-the-rack garments are readily accessible at affordable costs. Numerous individuals opt for such clothing as they are budget-friendly and easily obtainable compared to custom-tailored attire which requires considerable time to produce and entails higher expenses. This explains why those who can manage to purchase these imported ready-to-wear items now own them."

This inclination has caused numerous tailors to struggle to keep up with competition; thus, their livelihoods are at risk.

Regretting the circumstances, Aisha Suleiman, a woman who works as a seamstress in the Unguwa Uku district, stated, "My emphasis has shifted towards altering and fixing garments. Numerous individuals opt to have their used clothing modified rather than having new pieces made. Although this isn’t lucrative, it ensures I stay occupied and generate some earnings."

It has been noted that numerous tailors, aiming to stay afloat, have turned to social media platforms for advertising their services. They've also implemented fresh ideas, trying to lure clients with online campaigns and exclusive deals, particularly around the time of Eid al-Salah. Nonetheless, even though the economy remains challenging, several tailors maintain optimism about a potential late surge in business as Eid approaches.

'In the past years, some customers always waited until the last week before bringing their fabrics. I hope the same thing would happen this year. But even if they come, it will not be the same as before,' Abdulmalik Musa, a tailor at Hotoro said.

As Kano’s tailor shops face waning customer visits before the Sallah holiday, this underscores the wider economic difficulties confronting numerous locals. Although some individuals are adjusting to shifting consumer preferences, others express concerns over maintaining their business viability in the future.

Some people think that due to the increasing costs of products and services in the nation, the tailoring business in Kano might change significantly. Nonetheless, many within the sector remain optimistic about improved times coming up ahead.

Aminu Buba, who has nine children distributed among his two wives, mentioned that he decided against making new clothes for them this Eid al-Adha. He explained that a regular length of fabric costs N3,500 per yard; therefore, purchasing enough for twenty yards would amount to N70,000.

It was evident to me that I couldn’t make new garments for my kids, which I’ve told them about. My two wives and I have picked out fabrics we’ll be using this Eid al-Adha. Our nine children need around 20 yards of fabric, with each yard costing N3,500; thus, I need N70,000 simply for the material itself before considering the cost of making the clothes. While I planned to start sewing new outfits in 2025, I haven’t completely abandoned the idea,” he stated.

A trip to the Shaiskawa tailoring market in Dutse city of Jigawa State revealed the same scenario.

During an interview with Malam Yusha'u Nasir, a proficient tailor operating in the local marketplace, he mentioned that his shop, formerly teeming with clients, has significantly declined due to minimal customer visits. This downturn can be attributed to the current financial challenges affecting the nation.

A different tailor named Aliyu Abubakar blamed the circumstances on inadequate financial stability within the working-class population. According to him, many parents were not purchasing new clothes for either themselves or their offspring. Instead, some opted to make clothing for their younger kids, while older siblings had to wear outfits from the previous year.

Malam Idris Gaya, who works as a classroom teacher and is also a father to six kids, mentioned that he began setting aside money for Eid clothes back in December. He pointed out that these savings were what allowed him to have new outfits made for both his wife and his children.

He stated, "Regarding Sallah clothes, I consider my task complete. Each parent aims to ensure their kids aren’t left out from enjoying the excitement surrounding Sallah celebrations."

A father of five and entrepreneur named Malam Kasimu Auwallu mentioned that fathers are merely enduring their struggles with smiles. He expressed frustration that with only about 10 days left until Sallah, he hadn’t managed to get new clothes for his spouse and kids.

Several mothers who talked to Weekend Trust mentioned that they realized the tough financial climate in the nation had altered circumstances.

Aisha Baba, whose husband works as a civil servant in Kano State, emphasized that the primary concern was finding ways to sustain themselves rather than focusing on new clothes for Sallah.

"My husband once made new garments for me frequently, not just during Eid al-Adha but whenever he could, yet recently, circumstances changed, and I needed to provide funds so he could craft new outfits for our two girls. I'm not concerned about lacking a new outfit myself for this Eid; what truly counts is ensuring we all have enough food," she stated.

A second wife and mother of four, Malama Sadiya Bukar, mentioned that only two of her children received new clothes this year. She added, "I cannot complain since my husband did not perform 'Kayan Sallah.' I am aware of what life is like outside, so I genuinely comprehend our circumstances. These men require support and recognition rather than grievances."

Several children interviewed by our reporter think that life revolves entirely around Sallah celebrations, so they eagerly anticipate this event every time.

An 11-year-old student named Maryam Isah thinks that Sallah involves getting new footwear, attire, visiting relatives, and attending Eid prayers. She says that a Sallah celebration lacking new clothing tends to be unexciting.

For Aminu Chiranci, a 9-year-old student, every Eid al-Adha season brings joy with new clothing, essential for completing the festivities.

My father used to make new garments for us during Eid al-Adha. This time, though, he informed us that instead of receiving our customary gifts, we would be getting quality fabric,

Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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