With the National Day holiday approaching, retailers, electronics stores and supermarkets have kicked off a series of promotions and increased supply of essential goods to meet demand.

The Big C supermarket chain said it expected purchases to rise by 30 percent during the holiday compared to normal days.

The store will stock more fresh, processed and packaged food, beer and beverages for the holiday period, said Ho Quoc Nguyen, Big C Vietnam's public relations director.

In addition, Big C is offering discounts of 5-40 percent on more than 2,000 products until September 8 under two promotion programmes, he said.

Lotte Mart expects sales to increase by 20 percent on the national holiday compared to the same period last year.

It has stocked more goods, and is offering discounts of up to 49 percent on hundreds of products, including food, fashion products, cosmetics, confectionery, beverage and fruit under its "Gio vang gia soc" (Shock prices during the golden hours) programme from 3pm to 7 pm.

Saigon Co.op said it would be stocking more goods in coming days as well.

The "Proud of Vietnamese goods" programm at Co.opmart supermarkets, Co.op Food stores, and Co.opXtraPlus hypermarket will include discounts of up to 50 percent on more than 3,000 essential products until September 14.

Big C as well as other supermarkets plan to increase home-delivery services. They will add cashiers and security officers to ensure convenience and safety for customers.

Many electronics shops in HCM City, including Nguyen Kim, Thien Hoa and Cho Lon, are offering attractive discounts on TVs, cameras, mobile phones and electronic household appliances.

In addition, products will be discounted up to 49 percent at the Promotion Fair 2014 to be held at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in District 11 from August 29 to September 3.

The fair features 500 booths showcasing and selling foodstuffs, drinks, clothes, footwear, autos, motorbikes, electronic products, school items, cosmetics and healthcare products, among many others.-VNA