In the days leading up to the Binh Ngo Lunar New Year, the shopping atmosphere at supermarkets and traditional markets becomes much busier. Records show that prices of many essential goods have fluctuated, but in general, they are still under control, and the supply is abundant.
Supermarkets are crowded but not overloaded
According to Lao Dong reporters in Hanoi on February 11, the number of people coming to shop at many supermarkets has increased significantly compared to normal days. Areas selling food, dried goods, cakes, jams, and soft drinks are always crowded with customers, especially in the afternoon and evening hours. However, goods are still fully displayed for sale.
Prices of essential goods such as rice, cooking oil, sugar, instant noodles, poultry eggs, frozen meat and processed foods are basically stable compared to previous days. Some products continue to be included in the price stabilization program or year-end promotions, helping people feel secure in shopping on New Year's Eve.
Purchasing power at supermarkets mainly focuses on food groups serving Tet feasts and fast-moving consumer goods. Although the number of customers increases sharply during peak hours, the supply still promptly meets people's needs.
Talking to Lao Dong Newspaper, Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (My Dinh, Hanoi) said that this year her family mainly buys dried food and essential goods at supermarkets to feel secure about prices. "The closer to Tet, the more people go shopping to prepare for the New Year's Eve feast like my family. However, the prices of essential goods have not changed much compared to the previous few days. I choose to buy at supermarkets because the listed prices are clear, and there are available Tet feast sets, easy to refer to and convenient," Ms. Hoa said.
Traditional markets are crowded, fresh food prices increase
Contrary to the stability of prices at supermarkets, the buying and selling atmosphere at traditional markets in the days leading up to Tet is bustling from early morning. People mainly buy green vegetables, pork, chicken, seafood and fresh flowers to complete Tet preparations.
Recorded in some localities, the prices of some fresh food items slightly increased compared to normal days. Green vegetables, meat and seafood increased from several thousand to tens of thousands of VND per kg, depending on type and quality. Fresh flowers also increased in price due to demand piling up on the last day of the year.
However, the increase recorded is mainly localized, and there is no sudden price increase. Goods at the market are still abundant, meeting the shopping needs of people.
Choosing to buy fresh food at the market, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoang (Gia Vien, Hai Phong) said that the price increase in the days leading up to Tet is acceptable.
Vegetables and meat today increased slightly, but on the last day of the year, I think this price is still reasonable. Shopping at the market is both convenient and there is a more Tet atmosphere when everyone goes to the market very crowded," Mr. Hoang shared.
If supermarkets continue to be a stable shopping channel for essential goods, traditional markets play a role in supplying fresh food and creating a typical shopping atmosphere of the last days of the year.
