Abundant supply, no price fever
At many supermarkets and traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City, the shopping atmosphere has become bustling again just a few days after Tet. The number of customers focuses on fresh food, vegetables and essential consumer goods. It is noteworthy that the general price level has not fluctuated much, helping consumers maintain a comfortable mentality when spending at the beginning of the year.
Many small traders said that prices this year are "easier to breathe" than previously worried. "After Tet, customers return quite regularly, mainly buying daily food. Food prices have not increased sharply, so buyers are also more comfortable" - Ms. Duong Thi Lien - a small trader at Tan Dinh market shared.
At modern retail channels, the number of customers going to supermarkets tends to increase, especially at fresh food stalls. Ms. Thu Hang (Tang Nhon Phu ward) said that she takes advantage of early shopping to take advantage of promotions. "Food prices are currently quite stable, even some items are reduced compared to before Tet, so she is also reassured," Ms. Hang said.
Similarly, Mr. Minh Tuan (Thu Duc ward) commented that the prices of goods after Tet do not create great pressure. "I see that the prices of meat, fish, and rice are all reasonable. There is no unusual price increase as many people worry. Supermarkets also have additional discount programs, so spending is also lighter" - Mr. Tuan said.
According to retailers, consumer demand after Tet usually decreases slightly compared to the peak period before Tet, but this year purchasing power recovered quite quickly.
Businesses launch promotions, stimulate consumer demand
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, thanks to early preparation of goods sources, the market after Tet did not experience shortages, price fever or speculation for profit. Prices of essential food and foodstuffs remained stable and only fluctuated within a reasonable range.
Some items of vegetables, fruits and flowers for Tet display increased slightly in the days leading up to Tet due to increased demand, but the increase was not sudden. After Tet, rice prices and some food items decreased slightly as consumer demand cooled down, because most people actively shopped and stockpiled in advance.
The Department of Industry and Trade also said that goods circulating to wholesale markets (Binh Dien, Hoc Mon, Thu Duc) have stabilized, ensuring abundant supply for the people's market network and there is no localized shortage of goods. Accordingly, the prices of goods decreased slightly by about 5-10% compared to the days near Tet due to abundant supply of goods and purchasing power increased by about 10-20% compared to the days of the 4th and 5th of Tet. The main reason is the demand for fresh food for the first working week and to serve the shopping needs for the opening ceremony of the beginning of the year of businesses and households.
According to Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, the total retail sales of goods in the peak Tet month (February 2026) is estimated to increase by about 15% compared to the same period last year. In the coming time, businesses and distribution systems will still be ready with supply plans, including organizing mobile sales if necessary, to ensure that the market maintains a stable state when people return to normal life.
In the modern retail channel, businesses continue to implement many preferential programs to support consumers.
Representatives of Central Retail Vietnam informed that GO! and Tops Market systems are applying a 10% discount program for customers shopping before 10 am, from Monday to Thursday every week.
With abundant supply, stable prices and many preferential programs, the Ho Chi Minh City goods market is expected to continue to maintain balance, creating favorable conditions for both businesses and consumers in the first months of the year.
