Tet Goods Ready for the Holiday Season
(DTO) At this time, the festive atmosphere of Tet is spreading across streets and neighborhoods. As the holiday approaches, the Tet goods market is becoming increasingly vibrant, with a wide range of products available from supermarkets to traditional markets.
TRADITIONAL MARKETS GRADUALLY HEATING UP
Observations at traditional markets across the province show positive shifts in purchasing power for Tet goods.
At Thanh Tri Market (Dao Thanh Ward), Tet goods have been fully stocked in abundant and diverse quantities. In the jam and confectionery area, shoppers have been coming and going since early morning.
Stalls display a wide variety of products such as coconut jam, ginger jam, tamarind jam, watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, “banh in,” “banh pia,” and traditional candies.
Prices remain relatively stable: custard apple jam at VND 340,000/kg; date jam at VND 250,000/kg; banana candy at around VND 120,000/kg; apple jam at VND 250,000/kg; pineapple jam at VND 350,000/kg; winter melon jam at VND 150,000/kg; and coconut jam ranging from VND 100,000–150,000/kg, depending on the type.
Alongside supermarkets, commercial centers, and traditional markets, the Tet shopping atmosphere has also become more vibrant at shops and stalls along major roads. Ms. Vo Hoang An, a representative of a retail point on Le Van Duyet Street (My Tho Ward), noted that her establishment began displaying goods on the 17th day of the 12th lunar month. While purchasing power for cakes, candies, and jams was initially very weak, it has since grown by about 50%. This year, prices for these items have seen an increase compared to last year. It is forecasted that the demand for Tet goods will continue to rise sharply in the coming days. |
Ms. Nguyen Thi Sau (Quarter 12, Dao Thanh Ward) shared: “There are only a few people in my family, so we buy just enough. What matters is having the traditional flavors—we don’t need as much as before.”
Many traders noted that prices for cakes and jams have risen mainly due to higher material and labor costs, but they are trying to keep prices stable to retain customers. This year’s trend is “moderate consumption, quality selection.”
Consumers prioritize products with clear origins and local specialties, especially those from orchard regions. Although people are shopping earlier, they are buying according to actual needs rather than stockpiling as in previous years.
Ms. Thu, a confectionery vendor at Thanh Tri Market, said: “Customers are still numerous, but they are very careful. They usually buy small amounts of each item, prioritizing familiar products. Locally handmade goods sell better than imported ones.”
At My Tho Market (My Tho Ward), the Tet shopping atmosphere is also gradually heating up. Traders noted that customer numbers typically surge after the 25th day of the Lunar December. The market trend has shifted from “buying in bulk to store” to “buying just enough to use,” reflecting a more economical mindset.
Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh (Quarter 3, My Phong Ward) shared: “My family prefers traditional jams rather than imported cakes. I buy a little of each item—once we finish, we buy more. Since the market is close to home, there’s no need to stock up like before.”
Ms. Phuong, a trader at My Tho Market, added: “Domestic products, especially Mekong Delta specialties, are clearly favored. Many small producers of coconut jam, dried fruit, and traditional cakes are selling well thanks to their authentic flavors and reasonable prices.”
Many elderly shoppers still prefer traditional markets because they can select items freely—tasting samples and asking about product origins before deciding. Ginger jam, young coconut jam, and handmade traditional cakes remain popular for their authentic “Tet flavor.”
SUPERMARKET PURCHASING POWER SURGES
At shopping centers and supermarkets across the province, the number of Tet shoppers has increased significantly compared to normal days, especially on weekends.
Goods are continuously restocked, filling shelves with household items, cosmetics, and food products. Most high-demand consumer goods during this period come with promotional offers to meet rising shopping needs.
At Co.opmart Cao Lanh Supermarket, demand is currently focused on Tet gift baskets in various price segments, starting from VND 99,000 per basket. To help customers save, the supermarket also offers Saigon Co.op private-label gift baskets priced 10%–20% lower than similar products in the same segment.
Mr. Thai Quoc Dat Thanh, Director of Co.opmart Cao Lanh, said purchasing power is increasing day by day. On weekends, the supermarket is nearly full of customers from morning to evening.
Popular items include Tet gift baskets, confectionery, and dried foods. The supermarket has proactively stocked abundant and diverse goods, accompanied by numerous discount and promotional programs.
Ms. Cao Thi Xuan Thuy (My Ngai Ward) shared: “For many years, I have felt secure about product quality when shopping at supermarkets.
They not only focus on variety but also on presentation. Packaging, colors, and quality are carefully prepared to meet consumer needs.”
At Co.opmart Go Cong, Tet shopping has heated up over the past 10 days. Mr. Pham Chi Cong, Director of Co.opmart Go Cong, said that by the 24th day of the Lunar December, Tet goods sales had increased by more than 200% compared to normal days and 20%–30% compared to the same period last year.
Consumers mainly purchase Tet-related goods such as cakes, jams, soft drinks, fruits, sugar, fish sauce, seasoning powder, and cooking oil. Prices remain largely unchanged compared to last year. The supermarket has launched deep discounts, with some products reduced by 50%–60%.
“Purchasing power will continue to rise in the final days before Tet. Having anticipated this trend, we have prepared sufficient goods to meet demand,” Mr. Cong added.
By M. Thanh – S. An – N. Khanh
Translated by X.QUANG
