Small businesses in Nigeria’s fashion and lifestyle sectors are leveraging the 2026 GTCO Fashion Weekend to reach new customers, increase brand visibility and generate sales through direct access to a wider market.
Business owners exhibiting at the two-day event in Lagos said the platform was providing opportunities to showcase their products, connect with potential customers and build relationships that could support the growth of their businesses.
For many of the entrepreneurs, the event offers exposure beyond their existing customer base, allowing visitors who come primarily for fashion to discover other products and emerging brands.
Zoe Daniels, Chief Creative Officer of Zen by Temple, a brand producing scented candles, room sprays, diffusers and infused honey, described the platform as supportive, particularly for small businesses seeking wider recognition.
She said the gathering of fashion brands and other businesses created opportunities for customers to discover products they might not otherwise encounter.
Daniels said she expected to meet new people, introduce her brand to potential customers and build connections, adding that the brand was offering a 12 per cent discount and free gifts to the first 200 customers.
Similarly, Zeme-Giwa Osage, founder and creative director of Mimi Rocha Official, which operates women’s resort-wear and occasion-wear lines, described the event as an important platform for small businesses to access new markets, showcase their products and generate revenue.
She said the event provided opportunities to reconnect with existing customers and introduce the brand to new audiences.
For some exhibitors, securing a place at the event was itself a significant milestone. Kunle Atunrase of KNF Couture, a brand specialising in kaftans, agbadas, casual shirts, Adire outfits, linen trousers and bubus, said he had applied for seven years before being selected to participate.
He said he was looking forward to making sales, meeting potential customers and establishing business connections, describing the initiative as a valuable opportunity for growing enterprises.
Anita of Ahme Couture, which deals in luxury bags and exotic-skin products, also expressed optimism about the event, saying her expectations included attracting new customers and increasing awareness of the brand.
She announced a 50 per cent discount on products at the exhibition.
Adebola Yusuf, owner of Bukenzo Glam Jewelry and Accessories, said the event had already generated customer enquiries and sales for her business, which offers jewellery and accessories, including gold-replica earrings, bracelets and necklaces.
Yusuf said the platform was particularly useful in introducing customers to affordable alternatives to expensive gold jewellery, while giving her business access to buyers beyond its regular market.
Another exhibitor, Omaido Oyefodurin, founder of Lilmissfab Company Limited, a women’s footwear brand, said the event would help expand awareness of her products and attract customers.
She explained that the brand designs and produces women’s shoes, with a focus on extended sizes from 37 to 45 and moderate heels suitable for work.
Oyefodurin said she expected the exposure to translate into increased sales and a wider social media following, extending the benefits of the event beyond the two-day exhibition.
With 140 curated fashion retail stores, attendees will have opportunities to explore clothing, accessories and wardrobe essentials from different businesses.