Typically, in the lead-up to Eid al-Adha, both children and occasionally adults eagerly await getting their new clothes from different tailors. These times prove exceptionally hectic for those who sew garments. Some tailors uphold their commitments, but others do not, which can result in intense disputes; many Muslims consider wearing fresh attire essential during these festivities. Often, chaos prevails within numerous tailor shops.

Paradoxically, with the approach of this year’s Sallah celebration, tailors throughout Kano State have been complaining about reduced business, which contrasts sharply with previous years when they were consistently occupied due to the high demand from many customers.

Musa Bello, a 54-year-old civil servant with a sideline in tailoring, mentioned that times have changed when it comes to celebrating Sallah festivities.

Traditionally, during the weeks preceding Sallah, tailor shops would typically be bustling, particularly in areas like Fagge within the Fagge Local Government Area and Kofar Wambai. These locations often saw numerous clients. This year though, things aren’t following their typical pattern, leaving many tailors concerned,” he stated.

This year, numerous tailors have apparently gotten less than half of what they typically received from their clients.

Weekend Trust noted that the formerly bustling sewing machines, which typically operated well past dusk, have fallen quiet—even throughout daylight hours. Tailors who earlier turned away rush-hour patrons because of high demand now sit idle, awaiting customers who, understandably, aren’t showing up.

A number of tailors blame the decrease in customers on the tough economic conditions affecting the nation. Soaring costs of living, elevated inflation rates, and increased prices for essential items have caused numerous families to find it difficult to cover their everyday requirements and other crucial expenditures, thereby neglecting lesser priorities compared to fundamental human necessities.

Musa Tijjani, a tailor operating out of Kofar Wambai market, expressed his disappointment, stating, “During every Eid al-Adha, my store would overflow with fabric orders for custom creations. However, this year, I could tally all the requests I’ve gotten using just one hand. Individuals are voicing concerns over economic conditions. They mention not having enough funds to create new garments and plan to wear their current outfits instead.”

The increasing expense of sewing supplies has contributed to a decline in customer visits. In recent months, fabrics, zippers, buttons, and thread prices have surged significantly, compelling tailors to raise their fees. However, numerous customers are either not ready or cannot afford these higher costs.

Ibrahim Shehu, another tailor working at Fagge, stated, “Before, our fee for crafting a basic kaftan was ₦5,000; however, because material costs have gone up, we must now ask for ₦8,000 or even higher. Many clients consider this price too steep and opt instead for off-the-rack garments, which can be less costly.”

Weekend Trust further notes that another influence on local tailors is the increasing prevalence of ready-to-wear clothing typically sold online. Additionally, there has been an influx of imported apparel, particularly from China, Turkey, and Dubai, saturating different marketplaces—especially those found on the web—and providing customers with cost-effective options regarding both quality and pricing. As a result, many locals prefer purchasing these factory-made items over commissioning bespoke attire.

Aminu Lawan, a merchant from the Kantin Kwari marketplace, stated, “In today’s world, premium off-the-rack garments can be found for fair prices. Numerous individuals opt to purchase such items as they are less expensive and readily accessible compared to custom-sewn attire which requires considerable time and incurs higher costs. This explains why those who can manage to buy these imported ready-to-wear pieces now own them.”

This preference has caused numerous tailors to struggle to stay competitive; thus, their ability to survive is at risk.

Expressing her concerns about the circumstances, Aisha Suleiman, a woman who works as a tailor in the Unguwa Uku district, mentioned, “My emphasis has shifted towards making adjustments and performing repairs. Numerous individuals opt to have their used garments modified rather than having entirely new pieces made. While this isn’t highly lucrative, it ensures I stay occupied and earn some money.”

It has been noted that numerous tailors, aiming to stay afloat, have turned to social media platforms for advertising their services. They’ve also implemented fresh ideas, trying to draw clients with online campaigns and exclusive deals, particularly around the time of Sallah. Nonetheless, even amid challenging financial conditions, several tailors retain hope for an end-of-season surge as Sallah approaches closer.

‘In the past years, some customers always waited until the last week before bringing their fabrics. I hope the same thing would happen this year. But even if they come, it will not be the same as before,’ Abdulmalik Musa, a tailor at Hotoro said.

As Kano’s tailors face dwindling customers before Sallah, this underscores the wider economic difficulties confronting numerous inhabitants. Although some are adjusting to shifting patterns, others express concerns over the future viability of their profession.

Some people think that due to the increasing costs of products and services in the nation, the tailoring business in Kano might undergo significant changes. Nevertheless, many within the sector remain optimistic about improved prospects in the future.

Aminu Buba, who has nine children between two wives, mentioned that he decided against making new clothes for them this Eid al-Adha. He explained that a regular length of fabric costs N3,500 per yard; therefore, purchasing 20 yards would amount to N70,000.

It was evident to me that I couldn’t make new garments for my kids, which I’ve discussed with them. My two wives and I have chosen fabrics we’ll be using this Eid al-Adha. Our nine children need around 20 yards of fabric, and at N3,500 per yard, that comes out to N70,000 just for purchasing the material—without considering the cost of making the clothing. While I planned to start sewing anew in 2025, I haven’t completely abandoned hope,” he stated.

A trip to the Shaiskawa tailoring market in Dutse city within Jigawa State revealed an identical scenario.

During an interview, Malam Yusha’u Nasir, a proficient tailor operating in the marketplace, mentioned that his shop, formerly teeming with clients, has significantly dwindled due to minimal customer turnout. This decline can be attributed to the current economic challenges faced by the nation.

A different tailor named Aliyu Abubakar blamed the circumstances on inadequate financial stability within the working-class community. According to him, many parents neglected purchasing new clothes for both themselves and their offspring. Some opted to make outfits only for their younger kids, whereas older siblings had to reuse garments from the previous year.

Malam Idris Gaya, a dedicated schoolteacher and father to six kids, mentioned that he began setting aside money for Eid clothes back in December. He highlighted that these savings were what allowed him to have new outfits made for both his spouse and his children.

He stated, “Regarding the Sallah clothes, my objective has been achieved. Each parent aims to ensure their children do not miss out on the joy of celebrating Sallah.”

A father of five and entrepreneur named Malam Kasimu Auwallu expressed that fathers are merely enduring their struggles with forced smiles. He shared his distress over the fact that with only about 10 days left until Sallah, he hadn’t managed to get new clothes for his spouse and kids.

Several mothers who talked to Weekend Trust expressed their understanding that the difficult financial climate in the nation had altered circumstances.

Aisha Baba, whose husband works as a civil servant in Kano State, stated that the primary concern was survival and sustenance, rather than acquiring new clothes for Sallah.

“My husband would make new garments for me regularly, not just during Eid al-Adha, but whenever he could. However, circumstances changed, and now I also contribute funds so he can create outfits for our two girls. I’m not concerned about lacking a new outfit for myself this Eid; what truly counts is ensuring we all have enough food,” she explained.

Another wife and mother of four, Malama Sadiya Bukar, mentioned that just two of her children received new clothes this year. She added, “I cannot complain because my husband did not perform ‘Kayan Sallah.’ I am aware of what life is like outside, so I genuinely comprehend our circumstances. These men require support and recognition rather than grievances.”

Several children whom our reporter interviewed think that life revolves entirely around Sallah celebrations, so they eagerly anticipate this event every time.

An 11-year-old student named Maryam Isah thinks that Sallah involves getting new footwear, attire, visiting relatives, and attending Eid prayers. She says that a Sallah celebration lacking new clothing tends to be rather unexciting.

For Aminu Chiranci, a 9-year-old student, every Eid al-Adha season brings joy with new clothing, essential for completing the festivities.

My dad used to make new garments for us during Eid al-Adha. This time, though, he informed us that instead of receiving our customary gifts, we would be getting quality fabric,

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