After a fairly peaceful first day of the new year, the shopping atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City began to become more bustling on the 2nd day of Tet. Some traditional markets reopened, while some supermarkets operated with shortened hours, meeting the spring travel and shopping needs of the people.
Recorded at some people's markets, small traders have returned after a Tet holiday. Goods are displayed from vegetables, meat and fish to ready-made dishes. The buying and selling atmosphere is gentle at the beginning of the new year.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a vegetable trader at Hoa Binh market, said that the 2nd day is the time when many people start going to the market again. "The first day of the year is mainly for rest and visits. On the 2nd day, I open morning sales to pick up the day, hoping for a smooth sailing year" - Ms. Lan shared.
In the crowd going to the market early, Mr. Ngoc Minh (resident of Binh Thanh ward) said that going to the market at the beginning of the year has become a family habit. "On the 2nd day, the atmosphere is completely different, the market is peaceful without jostling, goods are also plentiful. I take advantage of buying some fresh food to use for my family, the prices are still normal" - Mr. Minh said.
Many people also said that compared to the crowded days near Tet, shopping at the beginning of the year brings a comfortable feeling, without jostling. Prices of goods are generally stable, some fresh products have slightly increased but not significantly.
Not only traditional markets, modern retail channels are also gradually opening to serve consumers. Today, GO! Go Vap supermarket also reopened to welcome customers, many families took the opportunity to visit and shop for essential items after the Tet holiday.
Records show that the supply of goods has been fully prepared, especially fresh food and vegetables. In addition, many year-on-year promotions have also been implemented to stimulate consumer demand and attract customers to return to their daily routine.
With the GO! system, a business representative said that from the 2nd day of Tet, some supermarkets have opened from 10 am to serve the needs of shopping and entertainment at the beginning of the year. Although the operating time has not been as long as usual, the number of visitors and shoppers is still quite stable.
MM Mega Market system also said that on February 18 and 19 (ie, the 2nd and 3rd days of Tet), only some key centers will operate with shortened service hours. From February 20 (January 4th), the entire system will return to normal hours, ready for the peak shopping season after Tet.
Meanwhile, the Co.opmart system also implements a flexible opening schedule. From February 18-21 (January 2nd to January 5th), only some supermarkets will pick up customers in the morning hours, from 8-12 am. Starting from February 22nd (January 6th), the entire system will resume normal operation.
According to observations, consumers mainly buy essential items such as fresh food, soft drinks, confectionery and small household appliances. The shopping atmosphere is comfortable, no longer crowded like in the days leading up to Tet. Many families combine going to supermarkets and shopping centers to visit and entertain during the holidays.
