“Where Are the Shoppers?”: Empty Silverbird ShopRite Sparks Alarm Over Nigeria’s Economic Woes [VIDEO]

 

Lagos, Nigeria – A recent video taken at the ShopRite outlet inside Silverbird Galleria has triggered a wave of concern and conversation across social media platforms. The video, captured by a Nigerian man and posted online, shows a scene that many are calling unrecognizable: an eerily quiet shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon—a time usually marked by family outings, shopping sprees, and vibrant commercial activity.

The clip, now widely circulated, depicts a largely deserted ShopRite floor with minimal foot traffic, silent aisles, and only one functioning checkout till. In the background, a somber voice can be heard expressing disbelief at the stark emptiness of the space. The man behind the camera remarks that he did not expect to find the usually bustling ShopRite so deserted, especially during a weekend peak period. His tone conveys both surprise and concern, as he reflects on the possible economic undercurrents responsible for this unexpected lull.

“On a Saturday afternoon? This place is empty. Only one till is open,” the man says in the video, pointing to the rows of unmanned checkout counters. “People are just not coming out anymore. It says a lot about the economy.”

Indeed, it’s a chilling visual that stands in contrast to the vibrant scenes Nigerians have grown accustomed to—malls filled with families, children running around with popcorn, shoppers comparing prices, and the characteristic weekend buzz. That image now seems distant, replaced by the reality of rising costs, inflation, and dwindling consumer confidence.

Many Nigerians who have viewed the video online echoed the sentiments expressed by the man. Comments poured in from across the country, with people pointing to the current economic hardship that has driven a wedge between citizens and their purchasing power. The once-accessible luxury of casual shopping, it seems, has become a calculated decision for many households.

Economists and social commentators have long warned of the ripple effects of Nigeria’s ongoing economic challenges—ranging from high inflation rates to currency devaluation and increasing fuel prices. With disposable income shrinking and the cost of living continuing to climb, discretionary spending on non-essentials like mall shopping is among the first casualties.

“This is not just about one mall or one store,” one Twitter user wrote in response to the video. “It’s a mirror of what ordinary Nigerians are going through. People are prioritizing survival over convenience.”

Retail analysts say that such visuals—once rare in urban centers like Lagos—could become increasingly common unless there’s significant economic intervention. According to industry watchers, consumer habits are shifting quickly, with many turning to open markets for essentials, or simply cutting down entirely on spending that used to be routine.

At the heart of this viral moment is more than just a quiet ShopRite. It’s a stark symbol of a nation in the grips of economic strain, where shopping malls are no longer weekend havens but silent reminders of tough times. And while the video may fade from trending charts in the coming days, the conversations it sparked are unlikely to disappear soon.

As the debate rages on, one thing remains clear: the silence inside Silverbird’s ShopRite has spoken louder than words ever could.