Elsie UdohYou’re not a kid who grew up in Nigeria if you didn’t wear second-hand clothes while growing up (unless you come from a very high-profile family).
Fondly called Okrika, these clothes were a part of our lives and you could easily identify them by their distinct smell.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelEven now, the popular Okrika, which has now been ‘tush-ed’ up to be known as thrift, is still a great and affordable clothing option for many Nigerians.
In Lagos, there are many vendors where you can shop for these wears, both online and offline. This article will provide the top 10 popular thrift markets in Lagos.
Popular Thrift Markets in Lagos
1. Yaba Market
This market is often populated by students, with the presence of tertiary institutions around the vicinity.
Yaba Market is famous for “bend-down select” clothes, shoes, and accessories at pocket-friendly prices.
It is located near the Yaba bus terminal and is easily accessible, with the traders bringing in a steady supply of trendy items regularly
Pro Tip: Shop early in the morning or late in the evening to get first-hand picks at better prices.
2. Aswani Market
Aswani Market is located in Isolo and is one of the busiest and most organised thrift markets in Lagos.
The market days are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
They sell bales and also retail.
Aside from clothes, you can also find household items and footwear at very affordable prices in Aswani.
Pro Tip: Wear your bargain cap and go really early so you can see quality things to get.
3. Katangua Market
Katangua in Abule Egba is a popular thrift market where imported second-hand clothes, shoes, and bags are sold at giveaway prices.
It is one of the largest thrift markets in Lagos and is known for its massive stock, making it a go-to place for bulk buyers and resellers.
The busiest days to shop here are Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays when new goods arrive.
Pro Tip: Be prepared to walk through the many shops in the market so wear comfortable clothing when visiting.
4. Balogun Market
Balogun Market, located in Lagos Island, is one of the largest markets in West Africa. While it’s known for fabric and wholesale trade, it also has a thriving thrift section where you can find trendy second-hand clothes at affordable prices.
Pro Tip: There is no specific market day at Balogun Market; however, it is best visited early in the morning.
5. Mushin Market
Mushin Market is also a bustling hub for second-hand clothes in Lagos. It offers a wide range of options, from casual wear to traditional attire.
The market is located in the Mushin area of Lagos and is best visited during the day.
6. Oshodi Market
Once known for its chaotic environment, Oshodi Market remains a major centre for thrift shopping.
There is an array of second-hand goods at bargain prices to shop here, from vintage clothing to accessories.
It’s also a great place to buy children’s thrift wear in bulk.
Pro Tip: Shop during the daytime for better security and more options.
7. Tejuosho Market
Tejuosho Market is another popular thrift market located in Yaba.
It has an entire section dedicated to thrift items, particularly shoes and handbags.
Unlike other thrift markets, this one offers a mix of thrift and new items, making it a great spot if you’re looking for both options.
Pro Tip: Look out for vendors selling European-imported thrift items, as they tend to have high-quality wears.
8. Alaba Rago Market
Alaba Rago Market, known mostly for electronics, also has a thriving thrift clothing section where you can find traditional wears, kaftans, and second-hand jeans at very cheap rates.
The market is situated in the Ojo area, close to the famous Alaba International Market.
Pro Tip: If you’re buying in bulk, try negotiating with multiple sellers to compare prices before making a final decision.
9. Arena Market
Arena Market in Oshodi is an upgraded version of a regular thrift market.
It has a more structured setting, which makes it easier to navigate than most open-air thrift markets.
Here, you can find good-quality second-hand clothes, shoes, and even home essentials at reasonable prices.
Pro Tip: Unlike traditional markets, some stalls here accept bank transfers, making shopping easier if you’re not carrying cash.
10. Eko Market (Eko Idumota)
Eko Market, also called Idumota Market, is a long-standing trading hub with a wide variety of thrift clothing, shoes, and accessories.
It’s especially known for bulk buying, making it a favourite for boutique owners and small-scale thrift resellers.
Pro Tip: If you’re looking for quality thrift fashion, ask for Grade A thrift items, which are the best quality available.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the thrift markets in Lagos.
Although there are others, the markets mentioned in this post are the most popular thrift markets in Lagos and offer a wide variety of thrift wears at decent prices.
Elsie Udoh is an SEO content writer who specialises in writing engaging stories that resonates with diverse audiences. She studied mass communication at the Lagos State University.
