By Ruth Echewe

Many folks are already screaming, ‘it’s that time of the year again!” As usual, the air is already bubbling with the scent of love and romantic vibes. It’s in the spirit of having a worthwhile Val celebration that we combed the Coal city to fish out ‘Top 10 gift shops with impeccable offerings this Valentine’s.

1. SPAR SHOPPING MALL

Spar has grown to become one of the best shopping malls to be reckoned with not just in the Coal City but also in all major cities across the country. With their strategic way of locating their stores in the central part of the city which makes it possible for every taxi or any mode of transport to know where they are spotted and their wide expansion which is inclusive of different departmental stores that make it easier for customers to know where they can get what they want per time coupled with the fact that there are in-house sales people to direct you when you are not sure of where to get a particular product or when one gets lost. Moreso, as their way of saying thank you to their amazing customers, they currently have a discount promo on anything gotten during the Valentine’s week, no matter what you are buying. So, go get it.

2. ROBAN STORES

One of the leading stores reshaping the economic landscape and indeed fortunes of the Southeast is Enugu State’s Roban Stores, which is situated in a strategic location in the Polo Park Mall that also host the likes of Game Nigeria Stores. Positioned to serve and provide retail services, and riding on the back of the Polo Park Mall, Roban Stores is fast growing to become a major brand in the retail segment among other leading stores across cosmopolitan cities in Nigeria.

Its trajectory growth dates back to 1999 when it was first introduced as just Ultimate Gifts, a small grocery store that served the needs of locals. Now, Roban Stores has transcended a mini store and has become superstore. Now, Roban Stores is a one-stop retail outlet and very importantly, your go-to-store for that Valentine gift.

3. EASTERN SHOPPING MALL (MARKET SQUARE)

That beautiful feeling that historical places tend to bring us something that cannot be denied but to be basked in and that is what Eastern Shopping mall presents. Considered as one of the oldest malls in the Coal City just located few metres from the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, which back in the years played home to the Enugu-based footballers, Enugu Rangers FC. History has it that Eastern Shopping Mall now recently regarded as Market Square was strategically built as a convenience store for the footballers and visiting clubs and it would always be crowded by footballers and of course fans who wanted an opportunity to meet their icons. With time, the number of population that strolled into the store was capitalised on and it has grown to be become one of the well patronised departmental stores with a touch of history, and comes with products with competitive prices.

4. COLD SLAB

As a child, I remembered how I would always jump at the sight of cup cakes and small chops. I had always looked forward to when my dad will come back from work with those and he would never disappoint. Surprisingly, my dad would sometimes have other gifts alongside the cup cakes such as a new pair of shoes, or a new toy, but I would always go for the cup cakes. And I can confidently tell you that till date, I still bask in the sight of cup cakes, sometimes I even jump excitingly when it is part of a menu of an event. As much as certain people might appreciate other material gifts, complementing it with box of cup cakes or small chops might just do the magic. Lucky for you, food malls like Cold Slab is your amazing stop for anything pastries, cold features such as ice cream and small chops, situated close to New Haven Junction.

5. KILIMANJARO

When I first came across the name, Kilimanjaro as a brand name for a restaurant, it sounded quite weird until I actually got to experience their service and all I could say was; ‘you guys are truly living up to your name’. Indeed, Kilimanjaro gives the best of catering services and have grown to become a force to reckon with in the city of Enugu State. One peculiar feature about its services is their door-step service, which provides a platform for a customer to make a food or pasteries order without actually having to go to the restaurant. So, imagine being able to surprise your loved one with a beautiful, well-packed basket of his or her favourite meal or pasteries with the best food delivery service, you might just get a reward afterwards.

6. BE SMART STORES

Who doesn’t like the idea of looking good? Especially if it is for a loved one. The concept of looking good has gone beyond just the physical expression of beauty but the exhibition of innermost beauty. Of recent times, fashion enthusiasts have seen the medium of good clothes to manifest beauty of various definitions and that is what Be Smart Clothing Line brings to the table, helping you choose what fits your loved one just with a description and a significant love language. Check them out and they just might beat your imagination.

7. LIGHT ZILLION

Situated in the heart of the city, Light Zillion has been well appreciated by customers for the numerous cash registers that they have that help in facilitating check-out which at often times can be frustrating for customers who after buying still have to come and stand on long queues to be attended to. Surprisingly, returns and refunds are also processed pretty quickly by the customer service desk. Imagine, having second thought of a gift that you might have a loved one and scared that you might not be able to replace, well, Light Zillion might just be the place for you.

8. CHICA EMPIRE

I am sure my ladies will be screaming at this particular piece because Chica Empire is not here to play when it comes to hair accessories, hair products, female wears and jewellries. For the guys who might be battling with what exactly to gift their lovers look no further for Chica Empire has come to the rescue with everything female-related especially when it comes to wigs which is the in-thing for almost every female. It comes affordable, too as Valentine Special Promo Sales is currently running. They also have a perfumery section which boasts of exotic brands that might just be perfect for you. Their online platform gives customers an easy access route to their products.

9. KAKAR MULTIBRAND STORES

Just as the name implies, as a multibrand store, it is your one-stop shop for whatever you may need to purchase as a gift item for your loved ones. Ranging from clothing accessories, household items, food, beverages and what have you, their different departmental stores within makes it easier for you to know what to pick per time, and trust me when I say you can take your sweet time in figuring out what you want because you would not need to worry about having to struggle with a long queue, because their multiple counter outfits will always be available for you.

10. HONORS

This particular shopping centre is well recognised in Enugu State for its high valued leather materials which could be bought in forms of bags, shoes, clothes and household items, giving you the choicest of gifts when it comes to this amazing Valentine season.

So, where will you be shopping for your loved ones in Enugu during this Valentine’season?

Echewe Ruth Chidera, a blogger, and a creative writer, lives in Enugu.

Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.