Links of goods released
Recorded on central routes of Can Tho City such as 3 months, February 2, April 30, Mau Than, August Revolution..., a series of kiosks and moon cake stalls simultaneously hung signs "Buy 1 give 1". This is an effort to stimulate the demand of bakeries before the end of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Ms. Ngoc Hang (a saleswoman at a bakery in Ninh Kieu ward), said that although the promotion program has been applied for more than 2 weeks, the business situation is still quite gloomy. In addition to the difficult economic pressure that causes consumers to tighten spending, Ms. Hang believes that the big reason is competition from the online market.
With the 1 buy 1 get 1 free program, customers who buy 1 cake will be given 1 product of the same type or choose a direct 50% discount on the cake price. Although purchasing power has improved, it is still quite slow. Many customers choose cakes online because the cheap price adds promotions. However, many cheap online products are currently of unknown origin and do not ensure food safety, Ms. Hang expressed concern.
Mr. Tran Van Hai's moon cake counter (Tan An ward) also applies "Buy 1 get 1" for some DK brand products. Mr. Hai admitted that the number of customers has improved, but it is still not enough to recover import capital and other expenses.
"Customers save money, so not only the number of customers decreases but the number of cakes each buyer also decreases. Online cakes can be cheaper, but we still have to bear the costs of renting premises and staff. The "buy 1 get 1" promotion is that we have reduced the price by up to 50%, it cannot be reduced any more. These last days, I have to try to release goods to return the premises," Mr. Hai confided.
Changing consumer trends
Traditional moon cake stalls, despite attractive promotions, are no longer the top choice. Instead, consumers are looking for savings, food safety and quality.
Faced with increasing economic pressure, Ms. Pham Thien Nghi (a saleswoman, Ninh Kieu ward) has changed her shopping habits to adapt: "The company gives cakes to employees, so I only buy a few more items for my family. Although the "buy 1 get 1" program is very attractive, if you buy too much, you won't run out of it, which will be a waste".
With health protection as the top priority, Mr. Vo Nhat Duy (office worker, Ninh Kieu ward) said that in recent years, he has switched to using fresh moon cakes at supermarkets or bakeries.
"Although the price is better, the usage time is shorter, but because there are no preservatives, it is safe for health. In addition, fresh moon cakes are increasingly invested in by supermarkets and stores in terms of shape and flavor, so they are not inferior to the familiar brands that my family used to use before, said Mr. Duy.
In the first 9 months of the year, the authorities of Can Tho City discovered and handled 622 violations of smuggling, trade fraud and counterfeit goods; the total amount of money handled for violations reached over 7.5 billion VND.
In the face of the above situation, the City Steering Committee 389 and related units continue to closely coordinate between forces in inspecting, verifying, investigating, and handling violations. In particular, focus on inspecting and supervising the market for essential goods to serve the needs of people during the Mid-Autumn Festival and the end of the year, promoting legal dissemination to businesses and people.
