MARKET PREFERENCES OF RESIDENTS IN CALABAR, CROSS RIVER STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

The study was carried out to ascertain market preferences of residents in Calabar Metropolis. The study adopts survey method to find out the preferences of markets by the residents of Calabar. Moreover the distribution pattern of the markets was also evaluated using Geographic Information System (GIS); While descriptive statistics of simple percentage was use to ascertain market preference of the resident. The findings of the study shows that market concentrate more on the southern part of Calabar. This is attributed to the population concentration in the area, access to transport route by land and closeness to sea route. These factors determined the pattern of distribution of market in the area. Also, the findings show that the awareness level of markets is low only 30% of people are aware of the location of 50% of the markets. The study also discovered that 60.1% of people visit to the market is to buy goods and services. The proximity to the market, access and range of goods and services and their prices influence patronage. The major access is through public transport and trekking as the second prominent mode of access. The patronage for different markets depends on the advantage they have in terms of goods and services they purchased. It was recommended among others that Government should make some market specialize in some goods and services for instance those at the beach should be made for sales of sea foods.