Lunar New Year goods are experiencing low customer traffic.

ANTD.VN - Supermarkets and traditional markets are quite deserted despite having less than two weeks until the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025. Small traders are also hesitant to import Tet goods.

The Tet holiday goods for the Year of the Snake 2025 are diverse in designs and types.

Ms. Tran Thi Thuong (a small trader in the dried goods section of Thanh Cong Market) said: "It's almost Tet (Lunar New Year), but the market is deserted. In previous years, I used to sell a hundred kilograms of bamboo shoots, vermicelli, and wood ear mushrooms every day, but this year, even on a good day, I only sell about 20 kilograms. My suppliers keep inquiring about supplies, but I don't dare import any to sell, for fear of unsold stock."

According to Ms. Thuong, the prices of dried goods during this year's Tet holiday have increased only slightly, depending on the type. In the mid-range segment, dried bamboo shoots cost 350,000-400,000 VND/kg; vermicelli 110,000 VND/kg; and dried wood ear mushrooms 250,000 VND/kg. Currently, there are only a few customers buying dried goods, and each person is only purchasing small quantities.

At My Dinh market, stalls selling votive paper and dried goods are busier than others. Ms. Duong Thi Yen (a small vendor at My Dinh market) said: “With the 23rd day of the 23rd lunar month (the day of the Kitchen God) approaching, many families are buying votive paper for worship. Many customers are also gradually stocking up on incense, flowers, and offerings… to avoid rushing closer to Tet. Even so, sales are still slower compared to previous years.”

Many small business owners predict that Tet holiday sales this year will be slower due to people tightening their spending, prioritizing only essential items. People also tend to buy just enough instead of stockpiling because retail outlets are open almost continuously and offer discounts and promotions year-round.

Observations at major supermarkets such as Winmart Le Duc Tho and GO! Thang Long (formerly Big C Thang Long) show that weekends are busier than usual. Customer numbers increase by about 30% compared to weekdays, but there is still no congestion during shopping or payment.

For nearly a month now, supermarkets have been displaying and showcasing various types of confectionery, beer, wine, and Tet gift baskets in prominent locations to attract customers. In addition, supermarkets are running promotional programs, discounts, gift giveaways, and combo deals to offer customers benefits; however, observations show that these sections have been quite empty.

In addition to the essential items mentioned above, many types of household cleaning products for Tet (Lunar New Year), processed foods, cooking oil, salt, fish sauce, etc., also have promotional programs.

Working with the Ministry of Industry and Trade on the supply of goods for the Lunar New Year of 2025, Mr. Nguyen The Hiep, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, said that, at present, essential goods for the Lunar New Year are relatively abundant and ready to meet the consumption needs of the people.

Hanoi 's self-sufficiency capacity is basically sufficient for some products such as pork, poultry, poultry eggs, and freshwater seafood (mainly fish); for other product groups, the capacity to meet demand is approximately 20% - 60%. The remaining shortages and regional products to serve the diverse needs of consumers in the area are sourced from other provinces and cities, and imported.

According to Ms. Ha Thi Thu Trang, Head of Marketing at Wincommerce General Trading and Service Joint Stock Company, Hanoi branch, consumer spending during the 2025 Lunar New Year is projected to increase by approximately 20% compared to normal days. Supermarket chains have proactively stockpiled goods early, increasing their reserves by 10-20% to ensure sufficient supply to meet consumer demand throughout the Tet holiday.

"Supermarkets and stores nationwide, and especially branches in Hanoi, will operate until 12:00 PM on the 29th day of the Lunar New Year and reopen on the 4th day of the Lunar New Year , " said Ms. Ha Thi Thu Trang.

Ms. Tran Thu Quynh – Director of Purchasing for the Northern and Central regions – Aeon Vietnam Co., Ltd. also stated that the system has prepared a 115-120% increase in inventory compared to normal levels, and is working with key suppliers, developing plans for warehousing, and promotional programs to ensure the best possible fulfillment of consumer demand.

Regarding operating hours during the Lunar New Year holiday, the supermarket will close at 8 PM on the 29th day of the lunar month and reopen at 12 PM on the 1st day of the lunar month.

According to Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Director of GO! Thang Long Supermarket, sales this week have started to increase sharply, with the number of customers visiting the supermarket doubling compared to the previous week. The supermarket also aims for a 10-50% increase in revenue during this Tet holiday.

Source: https://www.anninhthudo.vn/hang-tet-vang-khach-mua-post601200.antd