How to Start a Profitable Shoe and Slippers Business in Nigeria (2025 Guide)

Shoe and Slippers Business in Nigeria | Shoes and slippers are not just fashion items—they are everyday essentials. In Nigeria, millions of people buy new footwear regularly, whether for school, work, church, or casual outings. This makes the shoe and slippers business one of the most reliable ventures you can start in 2025.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

How to Start a Profitable Shoe and Slippers Business in Nigeria

Unlike some businesses that depend heavily on trends, footwear has steady demand all year round. In this guide, you’ll learn how to start a shoe and slippers business in Nigeria, the capital required, where to buy from, and how to make it profitable.


Why Shoe & Slippers Business is Profitable in Nigeria

  • Constant Demand: Everyone wears shoes and slippers daily.

  • Wide Market: From students to workers, fashion lovers to families.

  • Flexible Startup Options: Start small (retail) or big (wholesale/import).

  • Scalability: Begin with local sales, then expand online or into bulk supply.


Types of Shoe & Slippers Businesses You Can Start

  1. Retail Sales:

    • Selling ready-made shoes/slippers in small shops or markets.

    • Works well in student areas and busy streets.

  2. Wholesale Distribution:

    • Supplying retailers or boutiques.

    • Higher capital but larger profits.

  3. Importation Business:

    • Import shoes from China, Turkey, Dubai, or Aba-made designs in bulk.

    • High capital, but very profitable.

  4. Online Shoe Store:

    • Sell via Instagram, Jumia, Jiji, Konga, or WhatsApp groups.

    • Lower overhead compared to physical shops.


Capital Required

  • Small Scale (retail): ₦50,000 – ₦200,000

  • Medium Scale (boutique/shop): ₦300,000 – ₦1.5m

  • Wholesale/Importation: ₦2m – ₦5m+


Where to Buy Shoes & Slippers in Nigeria

  • Aba, Abia State: Famous for affordable and durable footwear.

  • Balogun Market, Lagos: Wide variety of imports and local shoes.

  • Onitsha Main Market, Anambra: One of the largest footwear markets in West Africa.

  • Online Suppliers: Alibaba, 1688, DHgate (for bulk imports).

ALSO CHECK: How to Start a Profitable Phone and Gadget Business in Nigeria


Strategies to Succeed in the Shoe & Slippers Business

  1. Know Your Target Market

    • Students: Affordable sneakers and slippers.

    • Professionals: Corporate shoes and classy footwear.

    • Families: Everyday durable slippers and sandals.

  2. Leverage Social Media

    • Instagram and WhatsApp status sales drive huge demand.

    • Run ads to reach fashion lovers.

  3. Combine Quality with Affordability

    • Don’t only focus on profit margin; focus on trust and customer loyalty.

  4. Offer Delivery Options

    • Partner with dispatch riders for wider reach.

  5. Stay Updated with Trends

    • Nigerians love new fashion. Always bring in fresh designs.


Profit Potential

  • Retail: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 profit per pair.

  • Wholesale: ₦50,000 – ₦200,000 profit per batch.

  • Online Store: Daily sales can quickly scale up if marketed well.


Challenges You May Face

  • High competition in busy markets.

  • Fake/low-quality imports.

  • Delivery issues for online businesses.

💡 Tip: Build a trusted brand by selling only durable shoes and offering great customer service.

CHECK ALSO: Phone and Gadget Business vs Shoe and Slippers Business – Which is More Profitable in Nigeria?


Final Thoughts

The shoe and slippers business in Nigeria is low entry, high profit, and sustainable. Whether you choose retail, wholesale, or online sales, consistency and honesty will make your business stand out. In 2025, this remains one of the most reliable ventures for Nigerian entrepreneurs.

en_USEnglish