Demand for traditional New Year goods starts to rise

People buy Tet (Lunar New Year) products at a Co.opmart supermarket in HCM City. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

Ho Chi Minh City (VNS/VNA) — Demand of goods in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s biggest, is increasing gradually before the Lunar New Year holidays thanks to promotions and the greater diversity of products than last year.

Though there is more than a month to go for the year's biggest festival, many retail chains have started offering discounts already.

Products such as cosmetics, cleaning products, personal care and beauty products, and foods that can be stored for long without spoiling are sold at discounts now so that customers only need to buy fresh foods or ready-to-eat dishes before the holidays.

Other promotions such as offer of gifts, higher reward points than normal and gift vouchers are also regularly rolled out.

City authorities have urged businesses to ensure there is adequate supply and offer promotions for the festival while following pandemic prevention measures.

Consumers would tend to focus on basic items such as fresh goods, essential foods and typical items such as confectionery, beer, soft drinks, and wine for the occasion.

The city has called on distributors and manufacturers to launch promotions and prioritise online sales and non-cash payments.

It is holding the annual Promotion Fair from December 21 to 26 with more than 450 booths showcasing consumer goods, farm produce and handicrafts and the city’s 50 percent limit on discounts scrapped.

Participating businesses must ensure the origins and quality of products.

The promotions they offer include discounts, gifts and lucky draws./.