DMP- Abuja’s foremost bazaar
Abuja folks are hardly spoilt for choice for where laces to unwind asides the gardens, bars and clubs. So when a group floated the idea of a monthly Shoppers bazaar where traders, shoppers and fun seekers could converge, it became an instant hit.
They dubbed it the Designers Market Place (DMP) though you are hardly spoilt for choice for designer labels. I have always wondered why they chose this name but the name has come to stick since.
DMP counterparts in other climes include the Wolff flea market in the USA, the Dubai flea market amongst others.
The DMP here in Abuja is an open air bazaar really that holds in the open garden of City Park Wuse 2. Here a huge tent is set where vendors, traders, majorly those who own shops in the city plazas rent space to sell clothes, shoes, household articles and merchandise.
Designers Marketplace is a monthly trade, marketing and networking event which takes place on the first Saturday of every month. It is a network of clothiers, boutique owners, merchandise sellers, jewelers who target mainly the middle class clientele of Abuja.
It has its relaxation feel because music blasts from huge speakers all round the garden while snack sellers, small chops and beverage vendors make a killing- it is a picnic of sorts.
The DMP is intended as a platform for up and coming small time folks in the creative, catering and business sectors to showcase their products and services and expand their businesses.
The idea is lower costs, higher frequency, maximum exposure to a target customer base through networking all year round, and an opportunity for financial gain through sales. And this, the promoters have succeeded in doing as the place has become the mecca of the young and fly every first Saturday and the destination of choice for the young at heart.
It’s become a place for the family to relax as many married women who own shops just rent space to set up without caring whether they sell or not. Young girls of Abuja throng there every 1st Saturday to just loiter round the aisles, to see and be seen while the young and upwardly mobile male population never pass through Wuse 2 without a look in once the bazaar is on.
The DMP is a place to search for bargain deals, take in some fresh in air, listen to loud music and ogle young and then trendily dressed young boys and girls- and yes, some of the vendors do manage to make some money as well.


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