Back in April, Large Michaels Limited introduced a rejigged version of its business model through the commissioning of a new corporate head office on Allen Avenue, in Ikeja Lagos.
The company, which is specialised in the sale and servicing of ICT equipment such as phones and laptops, also launched a sales promotion campaign designed to reward its customers; some of whom stood the chance of winning many gift packages including a car.
The raffle draw event was held yesterday (July 31st) at the company’s head office, and it was witnessed by customers as well as representatives of the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), and the National Lottery Commission.
Nairametrics was also there to witness the event. We interacted with the MD/CEO of the company, Mr Michael Ezeamama, who spoke about the state of the business and plans for the future.
Read on below:
Nairametrics: The last time we were here, we witnessed an innovation different from what obtains out there. How has the journey been so far?
Michael Ezeamama: The journey has been good so far. But we’ve also faced a few challenges. As you know, our business environment has lots of challenges. One of the main challenges is how to convince the customers that we are real. This is because our environment is generally fraught with lots of suspicions due to promises not kept.
But here at Large Michaels, we have our identity. Our identity is sound business based on respect and anchored on integrity. Over the years, our integrity has paid us because nobody hates what is good. Nobody would want to leave the right way to go the wrong way.
We started out like every other company in the sector. But over the years, we’ve been able to superimpose integrity over suspicion. Today, it is working for us. That is the journey so far.
Nairametrics: Tell us more about Large Michaels Limited and the business model behind it.
Michael Ezeamama: Large Michaels was established to be responsible to the customers. We understand that technology is doing a lot to enhance the activities of human beings. We also believe that technology is inevitable in every aspect of human endeavour. that is why we decided to do a technology business; to serve the public.
Nairametrics: What would you say is the biggest challenge your business faces?
Michael Ezeamama: We have competition in the business. But then again, competition is good because it makes us want to be better. Therefore, it is really not a challenge per se.
We also have the issue of adulteration. Unfortunately, it is not in our power to enforce the law against adulteration. So we will just keep doing our work and ensure that we constantly make it better.
Nairametrics: So what are your plans going forward?
Michael Ezeamama: We want to be able to take our goods and services to every place we think our services are needed the most. Our Lagos operation is just a takeoff point. We have plans to move from here into more Nigerian cities and later connect other West African countries.
Nairametrics: So asides Lagos, which other Nigerian cities do you have a presence?
Michael Ezeamama: We have many branches across Lagos. We also have an office in Port Harcourt and some representative partners in Abuja. And then, of course, we have customers all over Nigeria.
Nairametrics: Who are your major partners in this business?
Michael Ezeamama: Our major partners are the manufacturers. We also relate with distributors. Now talking about brands, we partner with the likes of HP, Dell, Lenovo and Asus. Actually, we are like the official outlet for Asus in Nigeria. We also market Acer and Apple products.
All the products we sell are original; straight from the manufacturers. Therefore, doing business with Large Michaels is like doing business with the manufacturers’ goodwill.
Nairametrics: About the raffle draw, what informed your decision to organise it?
Michale Ezeamama: We are doing this out of our desire to give back to our loyal customers and partners. We have given out different gift items such as laptops and printers plus the star prize which is a brand new car.
Nairametrics: Are there plans to do this some other time?
Michael Ezeamama: Of course! Here at Large Michaels, we like to reward our customers. We are driven by the spirit of ‘give me’. So yes, the raffle draw will be a regular event.
Let me also state that asides the raffle draw, Large Michaels has a tradition of giving out gifts to our customers on a weekly and monthly basis. That is something that will continue also.
