A recent debate on social media has sparked discussions on why many Nigerians in Canada choose to shop at Asian grocery stores rather than African-owned businesses.

While some argue that price differences play the biggest role, others highlight issues with customer service, variety, and overall shopping experience.

On X (formerly Twitter), user @TundeTASH questioned why #NigeriansinCanada hesitate to support African stores despite finding the same products there. Responses poured in, with many attributing their shopping preferences to cost-effectiveness.

Pricing and Affordability
The most common reason cited was price. Many respondents noted that Asian stores offer lower prices on the same products sold in African stores. According to @blessings_ay, “Asian stores are cheaper and they have so much variety.” Similarly, @KoloKennethK pointed out that “Asian shops sell the same goods as African shops, but cheaper. Asians think volume and customer retention. Africans think short-term profit.”

Another user, @ORSNigga, humorously noted, “You know how much for goat meat for African store? If you see prices for African Store, your heart go cut!!!”

While some believe African stores overcharge customers, others, like @360hustle01, defended the pricing, explaining that high logistics costs contribute to the markup. “An 11kg package set for cargo costs 260k to New York, while the goods sent were just 150k. Why won’t it be pricey?”

Customer Service and Shopping Experience
Beyond pricing, poor customer service was another major concern. Several respondents shared experiences of unfriendly treatment at African stores.

@aridan007 wrote, “If I ask for a price difference, I risk receiving a slap or being spat on. I’d rather patronize the foreign market and ship my goods home.”

Similarly, @Adiaha_ikono, comparing African stores in the UK, stated, “Customer service is zero. A pack of onions for £1 in Tesco was sold for £2.50 at an African store. It was unbelievable.”

Other users lamented inflexible return policies and instances where expired goods were still on the shelves. @ooa1st shared, “Expired noodles were on sale for $20, while newer packs were hoarded and sold for $26.”

Convenience and Product Variety
For some, the decision is purely practical. @finesseLewa explained, “I just shop where it’s closer to home and where I can get a variety of things at once since I’m not mobile.”

Likewise, @nnamdiabana_ stated that while Africans are willing to support their own, businesses that overprice goods lose their customer base.

Is There a Way Forward?
This debate highlights a critical issue within African businesses abroad. While high operational costs are a reality, business owners may need to reconsider pricing strategies, improve customer service, and enhance the shopping experience to retain their community’s support.

As @UDemeribe pointed out, “If there is something beyond pricing that makes folks buy elsewhere, then that’s something Africans MUST find a way to fix.”