Bustling market at the beginning of the year.

At traditional markets in Tam Ky City, the atmosphere of buying and selling began to liven up from early morning. Most vendors concentrated their sales around the market, and people mainly bought fresh produce and items to prepare for New Year's ceremonies and offerings.

From the fourth day of the Lunar New Year, Tam Ky market was already bustling with buyers and sellers. PHOTO: KIEU LY

According to observations, although prices are still 5-15% higher than usual, there are signs of a cooling down compared to the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year). Pork ranges from 130,000 to 160,000 VND/kg, various types of shrimp from 220,000 to 350,000 VND/kg, mackerel from 250,000 to 300,000 VND/kg, and chicken from 120,000 to 150,000 VND/kg.

Although vegetable prices are still higher than usual, they are showing signs of gradually cooling down. PHOTO: KIEU LY

Fruit is one of the most popular items purchased. PHOTO: KIEU LY

Ms. Nguyen Thi Mai, a small trader at Tam Ky market, said that she started importing fresh produce as early as the second day of Tet (Lunar New Year) to ensure freshness and quality for customers offering sacrifices at the beginning of the year. Increased transportation costs have also led to higher prices than usual. Currently, mangoes, oranges, and pomelos cost 40-50 thousand VND/kg, dragon fruit costs 30 thousand VND/kg, and watermelons cost 25-35 thousand VND/kg...

Items offered as offerings at the beginning of the year, such as sticky rice and sweet soup, boiled potatoes and corn, and sugarcane, are also selling very well. PHOTO: KIEU LY

Besides many traditional New Year customs such as first-footing and visiting temples, for many small business owners, the first sale of the year carries the hope for a prosperous year of buying and selling. PHOTO: KIEU LY

Betel nuts and salt are sold to meet people's needs according to the custom of "buying salt at the beginning of the year"... PHOTO: KIEU LY

According to Ms. Dinh Thi Huyen Trang, a small business owner at Tam Ky market, people have recently become less inclined to stock up on goods for Tet (Lunar New Year), so many people go shopping at the beginning of the year. At this time, they have more time to leisurely browse and the products are fresher than if they were kept in the refrigerator.

"During Tet (Lunar New Year), transportation and labor costs increase, so prices are a little higher, but the atmosphere during the first few days of the new year is very relaxed and pleasant. Most customers don't haggle much; they make their choices quickly and happily," Ms. Trang shared.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/nhon-nhip-phien-cho-dau-nam-3148433.html