Supermarkets are packed, people are inching forward millimeter by millimeter while shopping for Tet.

Hanoi - People flocked to supermarkets to shop for Tet (Lunar New Year) over the weekend, resulting in overcrowded stores.

As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, crowds of people flock to large supermarkets to shop and prepare for the new year. Many supermarkets are packed with people, and long lines form at the checkout.

Although weekdays are already quite busy with shoppers, supermarkets in Hanoi such as Go!, WinMart, FujiMart, etc., recorded a surge in customer traffic on weekends.

The checkout area was operating at full capacity, with not a single empty seat. Photo: Phan Anh

Notably, the Tet holiday goods display area was set up right at the entrance with a large quantity of supplies. Stalls selling cakes, jams, candies, wine, soft drinks, dried foods, and gift baskets attracted a large number of consumers.

The Tet candy stall attracted a large number of customers, everyone holding a plastic bag ready to make their selections. Photo: Phan Anh

With the desire to complete his Tet shopping list, Mr. Phung Quang Anh (Lang Thuong ward, Hanoi) said that he had proactively started shopping a few weeks in advance, but there were still some items missing.

"I had anticipated going during the days leading up to Tet and on weekends, when the supermarket would be very crowded, but this scene was unbelievable. I stood at the bakery counter for 10 minutes but couldn't move on. Everyone was rushing to make the most of the last weekend to get their Tet shopping done," said Quang Anh.

This situation seems to be a common one for many people. Ms. Vu Thu Thuy (Thinh Quang ward, Hanoi) felt "stuck" when looking at the crowd in front of her.

"My whole family of four went shopping, but I told my husband to take the kids home before we got here. Everyone had a shopping cart full, so it was practically impossible to move; the supermarket was completely jammed," said Ms. Thuy.

According to Ms. Thuy, this year, the variety of goods is greater, with more options available at affordable prices. Brands offer a wide range of products that are compact and easy to choose from. Tet gift baskets are suitable for all needs.

However, Ms. Thuy is worried that with the current large number of shoppers, the shopping spree will last for many more hours. "I'm considering going back to get some other things done and coming back on Monday when it's easier," Ms. Thuy said.

Large supermarkets are packed on weekends, making it difficult for customers to move around. Photo: Phan Anh

Not only at domestic goods stalls for Tet (Lunar New Year), but the checkout area has become a nightmare for many people. Ms. Phan Ngoc Mai (Cau Giay ward, Hanoi) complained: "I've been standing here for a very long time, the queues are endless. I managed to buy the items, but paying takes 30 minutes to an hour. It's not just a matter of scanning a QR code and transferring money; it requires quite a few steps to complete the transaction, causing congestion."

As many salespeople predicted, demand for Tet (Lunar New Year) goods surged on weekends. Products couldn't be displayed on shelves fast enough, and staff were working at full capacity.

Source: https://amp.laodong.vn/thi-truong/sieu-thi-chat-nhu-nem-nguoi-dan-nhich-tung-milimet-mua-sam-cho-tet-1653421.ldo