Markets in Ho Chi Minh City are bustling with excited trading activities for Valentine's Day, a popular time of the year for expressions of love and devotion.

Various kinds of gift items, chocolate and flowers are displayed in most trade centres, supermarkets and shops to serve this year’s Valentine season.

Flowers and chocolates are top selections for most customers, because they are very traditional and represent romanticism and the sweetness of love on this special occasion.

Unlike previous years, the chocolate market has secured many sales through pre-ordered services. At present, sale prices of different chocolates have remained stable compared with last year.

The flower markets are also attracting a large number of customers with ebullient trading atmosphere at markets in HCM City such as Ho Thi Ky flower market, Ben Thanh and Tan Dinh.

Imported roses are selling for about 50,000-100,000 VND (2.4-4.8 USD) per flower, while domestic roses cost only from 10,000-30,000 VND.

To celebrate this year’s Valentine season, most supermarkets and trade centres in HCM City have launched discounts and bonus gift programmes.

Coop Mart is organising a special promotional programme called “Gifts for love”, giving a discount of 40 percent for more than 400 product lines of trendy clothes and cosmetics.

Big C supermarket chain is also using promotional programmes with more than 100 romantic products for Valentine’s Day.

On the occasion, Sacombank Jewelry company (SBJ) is providing a 30 percent discount for its jewelry products.

Meanwile, Phu Nhuan Jewelry company (PNJ) also offers a discount of 15 percent for diamond products and is marketing a new collection, “Dream of Love” with almost 100 multiform designs targeting couples./.