In the afternoon of February 25 (the 9th day of the first lunar month), recorded at Thiec market (Minh Phung ward), small traders have fully displayed votive paper items to serve the God of Wealth Day (the 10th day of the first lunar month). As a wholesale wholesale market, from votive paper, incense and candles to typical cakes and fruits are all piled high and hung all over the stalls.
Although goods are abundant and diverse in designs from gold bars, gold boats, gold towers to package offerings, the trade atmosphere here this year is less bustling than in previous years.
Representatives of Cam stall shared that the prices of goods this year are basically kept stable, not increasing compared to last year to retain customers. However, purchasing power is trending downwards.
Yesterday (8th day of the first lunar month), customers came to buy a little more, but overall this year the number of customers is sparse, no longer crowded like every year. Due to predicting the difficult economic situation, the amount of goods we import also proactively reduced to avoid inventory" - this small trader said.
Not only serving retail customers, many orders here are often packaged and sent to provinces or wholesale to small traders in retail markets. Ms. Hoa (resident of Thong Tay Hoi ward) said that she still visits Thiec market to get goods because the source of goods is diverse and the wholesale price is good, but the quantity imported is also more cautious.
For retail consumers, the psychology of tightening spending is clearly shown. Ms. Phuong (resident of Binh Tri Dong ward) shared: "Every year I prepare a worship ceremony for the God of Wealth to pray for good luck. This market sells wholesale, so the price is cheaper, I mainly buy paper money, basic votive paper with a package cost of about 200,000 VND".
Besides the main item of votive paper, the typical banh chung stalls at Thiec market are also a highlight attracting customers on this occasion.
Types of buns, thuan buns or buns shaped like gold bars, money bags... symbolizing fortune are sold diversely and eye-catching. According to small traders, the prices of these types of buns are quite affordable and stable, helping people easily choose to make the offering tray more decent, praying for a prosperous and smooth new year.
