Major malls and affordable goods lure crowds to Eastleigh

When Levis Masinde first arrived in Eastleigh three years ago, he recalls being astounded by the sheer quantity of buildings, the throng of people, and the flurry of activity that pervaded every street. The pandemonium intimidated him at first, but he soon found Garissa Lodge. This location soon became his haven, providing him with solace in the middle of the busy surroundings.

“By interacting with people, I learned that Garissa Lodge was a popular spot for many locals. It has become a frequent reference point for those shopping in the area. Whenever I needed directions or assistance, I would head to Garissa Lodge. This understanding proved invaluable, helping me navigate my new surroundings and adapt to my work environment more effectively.”

Levis currently works in a stall at Garissa Lodge, and as a result of his interactions, the area has become a popular destination due to the low pricing and wide range of things available.

Levis has a thorough understanding of Somali culture and language as a result of his time with them. This has helped his interactions with clients, as he can now successfully converse with the many groups who visit their business at Garissa Lodge.

"Hard work truly pays off. There are numerous opportunities for everyone; as long as someone is willing to work hard and legally, they will always find a chance to advance their own lives and those of their families."

Garissa Lodge in Eastleigh is a popular place for traders and shoppers looking to buy clothing, shoes, bags, and duvets. The lodge is organised, with diverse goods dispersed across multiple floors, making it easier for customers to find what they need. This arrangement has also made Garissa Lodge a favourite destination for small-scale traders because of the variety of opportunities it offers.

The neighbourhood, located along Jam Street, is especially convenient because numerous cars drop off passengers from town, avoiding the bother of managing heavy traffic. Furthermore, with surrounding malls like Bangkok, Tuquis, and Mandera, customers can quickly switch between shops to locate what they're looking for.

The proximity and regular influx of clients in the neighbourhood rapidly lured Daniel Oseko, a small-scale dealer who has been in business for seven years. The prospering business environment drew him in and allowed him to grow his operations and hire more employees.

Daniel Oseko specialises in ladies' clothes, getting his inventory from Eastleigh malls and reselling it at reasonable retail pricing. After a long period of unemployment, he found fresh opportunities in Eastleigh.

"Eastleigh's prices are much lower than other places. We buy in bulk at wholesale prices and then add our markup, which allows us to give discounts," he says. He emphasises that their key benefit is the large range of sizes they offer, which allows them to stand out among other stores. This diversity, paired with low cost, makes their goods more appealing than buying wholesale.

"After graduating from college, I decided to start a business, and Eastleigh was my first choice. I started by hawking a few clothing, but now I have a booth and employ six different young people, guaranteeing that everyone gets paid at the end of the day," he says. He comments that, while many malls in Eastleigh provide wholesale rates, the neighbourhood also provides a diverse range of options, thereby bridging the gap between rich and poor.

"I began with just 15,000 shillings, and the business has constantly developed. I can now offer quality clothing at reasonable prices," he says. Daniel observes that Eastleigh gives chances to everyone, both locals and Somalis. He hires workers to dispel the myth that the neighbourhood is primarily for Somalis, emphasising its diversity.

Faridah Zaitun moved to Eastleigh three months ago and was immediately captivated by the vibrant scene on Jam Street near Bangkok. With no prior business experience, she observed and learnt from the fast-paced environment, eventually mastering the art of selling.

"Initially, I was intimidated by the language barrier because I had never been to Eastleigh before. However, I found a diverse group and was able to find a job; now, I help sell goods," she says.

Faridah emphasises the region's strong traffic, which brings casual customers and wholesale traders from many places together. "There's something for everyone here," she adds.

Eastleigh has various streets named for the types of items sold. For example, Garissa Lodge sells clothing, ready-made items, shoes, handbags, and other accessories. Bangkok specialises in clothing, fragrances, cosmetic products, and other items. Dubai Street sells Abayas and other forms of clothes.

The products are priced affordably, attracting a large number of purchasers who even export things to their rural towns. People come from Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret to shop in Eastleigh.

Customers are drawn to the area because of its great range and low prices.