Decorators, items’ sellers smile to bank as Lagos, other cities wear new looks for Christmas 

Most times, what people see are fine decorations that herald the season of Christmas and New Year, but not many people know the most important part of the face lifts and beautiful ambiance.

Yuletide is always a season that some businesses that have something to do with decorations look forward to. During this period, some entrepreneurs make a lot of money through supplying of decoration items, as well as handling one contract or the other in that regard.

Lagos is always a beautiful place to be at Christmas as corporate organisations, religious denominations and individuals make it a point of duty to decorate their environments.

The lights in the streets and buildings around Nigeria’s economic capital ring the bell of Christmas.

Read also: 20 events that will make your Detty December in Lagos absolutely unforgettable

Christmas time is in the air as some banks have taken the annual rituals a notch higher by decorating the entire stretch of their streets and amusement parks.

It is not just about decorations; it is also about the business side of the decoration, which provides a source of livelihood for both professionals and non-professionals alike.

Much money is involved. From the suppliers of the Christmas motifs for decoration, to the logistics involved in moving the materials to the contractors/experts that handle the decoration, this is beyond mere decoration.

From the UBA park at Apogbon, to Ajose Adeogun Street in Victoria Island, to Falomo, and Race Course/TBS, and other parts of the Lagos metropolis, corporate organisations have taken Christmas motifs to new heights.

While the economy is slowly picking up on the back of the month-to-month drop in inflation for the last two quarters; however, real time market prices of Christmas motifs and other materials still mirrors the cost-of-living crisis that characterised the whole 2024.

For instance, some items have seen over 100 percent price increase while others are 50 percent increase year-on-year. The lighting that was sold N8, 000 last year is now sold for between N15, 000 and N16, 000.

Also, ribbon, another essential material for decoration that was sold N1,500 in 2024, is now N3,000. Similarly, some items saw a N3000; N5000, and N7,000 increase in market price compared to last year.

“Regardless of how expensive materials may be, there will always be certain people and organisations who are willing to pay the full price,” Ajayi Isaac Taiye, co-founder, SMEP Events, told BusinessDaySunday.

According to him, quality attracts quality; hence, some clients understand the value of good work and will not hesitate to invest in it.

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“That’s why the saying ‘everyone has their own clients’ is so true that the right customers will always appreciate the effort, creativity, and professionalism you bring, and they’ll pay what it’s worth,” he said.

The Kwara State-based motifs decorator said that during festive periods, there is usually a noticeable increase in the number of events compared to regular times. “Just as Christmas brings a surge in events, other festive periods also trigger high demand.”

According to him, many people prefer not to carry their celebrations or major gatherings into the new year; so, they rush to host weddings, parties, dedications, corporate events, and end-of-year functions before the year ends.

“This naturally creates more activity for decorators and event service providers,” Taiye said.

Jejelowo Olawunmi Perez, founder, MSYBY Events, told BusinessDaySunday that every year, people are eager to see the beautification of their environment because of the Christmas season.

“It is only during Christmas that we see different types of decorations on the streets. Many people believe that Christmas is the only season that gives the ability to decorate everywhere,” Perez said.

The Lagos-based decorator added that the Christmas period is the only festive season that makes the world beautiful.

According to him, people celebrate every other month of the year without decoration, which gives the vibe of something awesome happening around the world in December. “Because Jesus is the reason for the season,” he added.

Every festive season comes with its own unique opportunities and pressures. However, the demand for decoration services rises during the Christmas season because more people want their events to stand out, look beautiful, and feel special.

Similarly, decorators also have to navigate tight timelines, multiple bookings, and higher material costs during these peak periods.

Read also: Detty December: Budget before you spend

“Overall, festive seasons, whether Christmas, Easter, or Muslim celebrations, serve as some of the busiest and most profitable periods for the decoration and event industry,” Taiye said.

For Perez, however, event decoration has taken him places he would not have imagined visiting if he had not introduced event decorations to his line of work.

“I wouldn’t have gone outside the state that I am in now. The only states I have not visited are the northern states,” he said.

He added that event decoration has given him access to a governor’s office. According to him, people wanted decoration full of beauty and peace of mind when they enter places.

Speaking to some of the challenges that come with the job, Perez said they sometimes do not get the balance of their fee, while some clients might reject the design for not meeting the agreed standard.

He also disclosed that some clients might change their minds after reaching an agreement on a job. “When you have prepared all your materials.”

Taiye, on the other hand, added that true professionals who consistently deliver quality, creativity, and reliability always find a way to stand out.

“When it comes to Christmas decorations, some clients are willing to pay well while others are not.” Taiye said.

According to him, the market may be competitive, but those who are genuinely skilled and passionate about their craft usually attract the right clients and earn what they deserve.

“Excellence has a way of drawing opportunities, even in seasons where others struggle,” said Taiye.

Outdoor Christmas motifs bring animation and light to across the city and streets, as people fully welcome the yuletide season.

Homes, shops and other places get lighted with Christmas snowflakes and stars, as well as wire frame motifs with animated elves, Santa, stockings, among others.

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“I may not work from January to October, but as soon as we approach November, I am always happy because I will have at least 20 places to decorate and the price of those 20 will cover the months I haven’t worked,” Perez said, reiterating that he always prays that every month would be December so he can be working.

He added that being creative with different coloured lights and fun ornaments helps decorators with referrals.

According to him, the business thrives more on referrals. “For instance, yesterday, somebody referred me to a woman who has four hospitals. I have not worked for them before, but because of the referral.

“People will be worried to see a Christmas without decorations. Thanks be to God that makes December look beautiful than every other month of the year,” he said.

Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).

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