By Matthew Denis and Mike Adeyemi
As the Ramadan season enters week three, operators of cool spots, restaurants and eateries in Ilorin metropolis have continued to groan over decline in patronage and profit.
Checks by Pilot Business at the weekend showed that some of the operators have suspended business activities due to low turnout of customers.
A beer parlour operator, Mrs. Balogun Adejoke of Sholly Cool spot along Osere area lamented that her business has witnessed a downturn since commencement of the fasting period.
She lamented, “My business has witnessed a sharp decline in sales by 85 per cent owing to the Ramadan period”, adding that it has affected her daily income.
“Before now, my business activities was on the high side but since Ramadan started I make paltry sum daily. I can’t wait till the fasting period is over,” she added.
Similarly, Mrs. Yemi Adeleye of Bliss Bar decried low patronage her business is witnessing presently, adding that she records about 80 per cent shortfall in sales since the commencement of Ramadan.
“Most of our customers are Muslims and they shun consumption of liquor during fasting period.Before now, on the average I sell N20,000 to N35,000 worth of pepper soup alone.
Adeleye said what is keeping them in busines is just about 10 per cent Christian customers who consume a very small fraction of our commodity”, she said.
At Stadium Road, the Director of Ubong Cools Spot and Restaurant, Mr. Sunday Johnson corroborated that fact that sales is low stressed.
He said, “The major contributory factor to the dwindling sales aside from the usual economic downturn in the country presently is Ramadan factor”.
“Sales is not as it used to be; market is dull and some people have decided to close their shops pending the time Ramadan is over. Sales are not much unlike before where every thing is booming in the midst of customers jostling for few available products.”
Also, Mrs. Jumoke Subair, a cool spot operator attributed the poor sales to the annual Ramadan fasting which the Muslims customers observe
“Presently, there is no market. We open shop just for the few Christian customers who are keeping the market going, but it is far below the usual bumper sales”
At Captain Cook Eatery, a top staff who craved anonymity because he is not allowed to speak to the media noted that since Ramadan began, the eatery has been recording low patronage.
The source said the number of customers attended to at the eatery has dropped drastically, while more sales are recorded in the bread sections.
