Promotions boost purchasing power
According to Ho Chi Minh City Statistics, in the first 7 months of 2026, total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue are estimated at 1,133,721 billion VND, an increase of 13.3% compared to the same period. Purchasing power is showing positive signs, but in the context that consumers are still carefully considering prices, promotional and discount programs continue to be promoted by retail systems to create more motivation for shopping.
When going to the supermarket, I often prioritize viewing items that are having promotions, discounts or buy 1 get 1 free. These incentives help me save a part of the cost, and also make me pay attention and tend to shop more" - Ms. Ngoc Lam (living in Vuon Lai ward) shared when going to GO! Eastern supermarket (Hoa Hung, Ho Chi Minh City).
Meanwhile, Mr. Bach Tung (living in Dien Hong ward) said that his family often buys fresh food and essential items. Therefore, if the right product is in demand and is being discounted, he will prioritize choosing to proactively balance spending.
Reality shows that with essential commodity groups used regularly, selling prices are still one of the important factors affecting shopping decisions. When promotional programs focus on products with real needs, consumers have more reasons to choose and increase shopping frequency.
Businesses accelerate demand stimulus
To boost purchasing power, many retail systems are implementing discount programs on many product groups, from fresh food to essential consumer goods.
Representatives of MM Mega Market Vietnam said that the unit is implementing a promotion program throughout the system, applying to more than 3,000 essential items. Focusing on product groups with high demand is expected to help consumers reduce spending pressure and promote shopping volume in the system.
Along with promotional activities at points of sale, businesses also pay more attention to connecting with domestic raw material areas and suppliers. MM Mega Market Vietnam said it is maintaining a stable policy and commitment to consume products for more than 100 farming households and cooperatives in Da Lat and the Mekong Delta.
Central Retail Vietnam also continues to implement stimulus programs and promotions with the goal of bringing products at competitive prices. The business also develops a multi-channel retail model and improves the shopping experience.
According to representatives of Central Retail Vietnam, bringing practical value to customers will contribute to maintaining purchasing power and supporting market growth in the last months of the year.
However, the impact of promotional programs is not only in helping consumers save costs in the short term. When implemented with a modern distribution system, this is also an opportunity for domestic products to reach consumers more widely.
According to Mr. Le Anh Hoang - Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City Trade and Investment Promotion Center, the unit is coordinating with retail systems to connect and introduce products and goods bearing Vietnamese brands, thereby helping businesses have more opportunities to reach domestic consumers as well as international tourists.
In addition, direct connection activities with industry chains and distribution systems will help businesses re-evaluate product quality, grasp consumption trends and orient product development to be more suitable for the market.
According to Mr. Hoang, to make good use of the opportunities from the modern retail system, businesses need to gradually improve the quality, design, packaging and competitiveness of products. This is not only a requirement to maintain the domestic market but also to create a foundation for businesses to aim for export.
