The rural market is bustling in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year).

These days, trading activity at the suburban markets of Can Tho City is quite bustling. The diverse range of goods for Tet, such as cakes, candies, jams, soft drinks, food, home decorations, household items, flowers, clothes, etc., along with the enthusiastic greetings of the vendors, signals that the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 is fast approaching.

Going to the rural market is like feeling the spirit of Tet (Vietnamese New Year).

After months working in Ho Chi Minh City, Huynh Minh Toan, from Thanh Quoi 1 hamlet, Hoa Luu commune, Can Tho city, arranged his time to return home to prepare for Tet (Lunar New Year) with his family. One of his first things to do was take his mother to the Tet market. “Born and raised in this place, no matter where I go, I always miss my hometown. The closer it gets to Tet, the more eager I am to return home, to be with my family, to relive my childhood, to be taken to the market by my mother to buy Tet supplies,” Toan shared.

Authorities are stepping up inspections and monitoring of business activities at markets. Photo: NAM HUONG

In Toan's eyes, the rural market is still as bustling and full of goods as it used to be. The only change is that the products are more diverse and prices have also fluctuated. At Vi Thanh Market (Vi Thanh Ward, Can Tho City), which has a unique rural market (a makeshift market), the familiar everyday goods are still available in the days leading up to Tet. The addition includes items characteristic of the traditional Tet holiday in the Mekong Delta, such as watermelons, pickled shallots, onions, and pickled cabbage. Stalls selling fresh flowers, religious items, and Tet decorations add color and attract many customers.

From Hoa Tan hamlet, Hoa Hung commune ( An Giang province), Ms. Duong Thi Thanh brought her homegrown pickled mustard greens to Vi Thanh market to sell. Thanks to the large number of customers, by 8 a.m., her stall was already significantly emptied. Ms. Thanh said: “Homegrown vegetables are very safe. I'm trying to sell them all in one or two days so I can go home and prepare for Tet. Selling these mustard greens helps me earn a little extra money to buy Tet supplies for my family.”

Also at Vi Thanh market, for over a year now, Ms. Vo Thi Dep from Area 8, Vi Tan Ward, Can Tho City, has been bringing more than ten kilograms of freshwater fish caught by her family to sell at the market every day, packing up her stall and going home when everything is sold out. While previously she had to sit there until almost noon to sell all the fish, in the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), her sales are much higher. “Seeing the market bustling and lively, all the small traders here are happy. We just hope for good sales and reasonable prices so that people can easily buy goods,” Ms. Dep shared.

Stabilize prices and ensure food safety.

Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) is not only a time for family reunions and remembering ancestors, but it is also associated with many traditional customs such as sending the Kitchen God to heaven, offering sacrifices to ancestors, and celebrating New Year's Eve... Ms. Ho Mong, a small business owner at Nang Mau market, Vi Thuy commune, Can Tho city, said: "Every year during Tet, worship items and Tet decorations are in high demand. Knowing this, I take advantage of the opportunity to import a large quantity of goods to ensure I have enough to sell during this period."

Despite the high demand for shopping during Tet (Lunar New Year), prices at rural markets remain relatively stable and accessible to the majority of people. At some stalls, watermelons cost 10,000 VND/kg, pickled mustard greens 8,000 VND/kg, whole shallots 20,000 VND/kg, and red onions 35,000 VND/kg… The prices of fresh flowers, religious items, and Tet decorations vary depending on the design, size, and material.

According to small traders at the markets, in recent years, they haven't had to struggle to find goods to stock up for Tet (Lunar New Year). Every year, two or three months before Tet, manufacturers and distributors come to receive orders. Thanks to this, the supply and prices of goods are guaranteed. Regarding the Tet market, traders say that the consumption of many Tet goods in 2026 will not increase significantly compared to previous years. The main reasons are people tightening their spending, along with competition from large supermarkets, especially online sales channels.

At the markets, prices of goods such as household items, clothing, confectionery, and Tet jams are generally stable, with only a few essential food items like pork, beef, and fish experiencing slight price increases towards the end of the year. In terms of consumer preferences, people prioritize affordable options, choosing practical products over luxurious gift sets.

Mr. Dang Trong Nhan, a small trader selling dried seafood at O ​​Mon Market in Can Tho City, said: “Compared to previous years, the amount of goods sold during Tet this year has decreased significantly. Compared to normal days, the prices of goods in the days leading up to Tet have increased slightly, but not significantly. Nowadays, the business is very competitive, and consumers are becoming more discerning in their choices of goods. Therefore, in addition to maintaining stable prices, goods must be delicious and clean to retain customers.”

Currently, the relevant authorities in wards and communes have reorganized markets and business locations to prevent traffic congestion and maintain traffic safety, creating favorable conditions for people to shop during Tet. Simultaneously, they are coordinating with functional forces such as the police, market management, and health authorities to strengthen market inspections and controls, and promptly handle cases of trading in counterfeit, fake, substandard, or unsafe food products. Market management boards are also increasing inspections of traders' activities and fire prevention measures. Furthermore, they are advising both sellers and buyers to comply with regulations and be vigilant against theft and pickpocketing, contributing to a civilized and healthy shopping environment.

Mr. Hua Truong Son, Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Can Tho City, said: "There are 258 markets in the city, and the supply and demand of goods are generally stable, with smooth circulation between Can Tho and other regions. The number of stalls in the markets has been increased to serve the people during Tet, focusing mainly on ornamental plants, watermelons, fruits, and confectionery... To ensure market stability during Tet, the Department of Industry and Trade regularly monitors and assesses the supply and demand of goods, especially essential items, to prevent shortages and disruptions in the supply chain."

NAM HUONG - DANG THU

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/cho-que-nhon-nhip-ngay-giap-tet-a198697.html