Kenyan Ladies and their peculiar shopping habits

Kenyans surely do have a way of getting what they want. So take those who try to fit in the middle class ‘upwardly mobile’ bracket. You will spot them in malls trying on shoes and clothes, all the time making snide comments like ‘I have a similar pair at home’, ‘I am flying down to Paris next week so I’ll get the green colour you guys haven’t stocked’ or even better ‘This doesn’t fit the way I want’.

When all they really want to say is ‘Wish my broke behind could afford this.’

For the ones who can afford, they will make the biggest fuss in the whole store just to make sure everyone sees them make the purchase.

Others will walk into stalls and make the rude, moody assistant pull down every outfit for them to see or fit only to walk away empty handed... and you wonder about the sulky attitude.

For the price conscious group, the right price will determine if and when the money purse will pop. The first question they ask and the first thing they reach for is the price tag.

For those who have perfected the art of street shopping, a lack of interest after hearing the price works magic considering the desperate seller wants to make a sale and call it a day. As you walk away having stated your counteroffer, he unwillingly calls you back to renegotiate and, soon, you’ll be home with another shoe you didn’t really need. A few metres ahead and it is the buyer’s turn to start making frantic calls to guys to bail them out with bus fare. Like really?

Others will look for the smallest fault to discredit an item just to walk away without parting with their cash. Wonder what happened to a simple ‘No, I don’t want to buy’ instead of hating.

Then of course we have those who will run to buy something because it’s trending, regardless of whether it flatters their body or not. Quickly, before they realise what just hit them, they have joined the Kenya uniform bandwagon of copycats and trend spoilers.

Yet, if you think that’s bad wait until you meet those high-class wannabes - yes, weave-wearing and makeup-baked chicks who pretend they don’t do mitumba but come eight o’clock you’ll see them on the streets picking out stuff under the cover of darkness. Or the card-slinging ones who insist on using their VISA card that’s running on an overdraft or under some sugar daddy’s name just so she can impress her friends and walk around with a Mr Price paper bag.

In beauty stores, there is that group that must test first before buying. They spritz themselves with body sprays and mists then move over to the makeup counter for a free consultation that ends with the worthwhile makeup application. The foxy ones have discovered return policies; they will purchase a few essential pieces they need for whatever occasion and once it’s over they are back to the store for a replacement or refund. Then of course we have the shoplifters who regardless of surveillance will go into changing rooms and still leave a few kilos heavier.

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photo:creativemarket.com