Vietnamese school supplies market dominates

With the 2024-2025 school year fast approaching, bookstores and stationery shops throughout the province have prepared large quantities of textbooks, reference books, and school supplies to meet the shopping needs of parents and students before the start of the school year. A notable feature this year is the dominance of Vietnamese-made school supplies, offering diverse designs and reasonable prices.

At this time of year, bookstores and stationery shops attract many parents and students who come to buy school supplies.

This year, students in preschool , primary, secondary, and continuing education in the province will return to school on August 26th, except for first-grade students who will return on August 19th. In recent days, bookstores and stationery shops such as Tu Chon, Van Lang, Cong Doan, Zo Zo; Go! Viet Tri supermarket and several other retail businesses around the central areas of the districts have been bustling with students and parents shopping for books and school supplies for the new school year.

The products that are consumed in large quantities are mainly: notebooks, ink pens, colored pencils, ballpoint pens, backpacks, test paper, etc. The prices of books and school supplies this year have not fluctuated much compared to previous years.

Specifically, notebooks and test papers from domestic brands such as Hai Tien, Bai Bang, Hong Ha, Thien Long, etc., come in various designs, paper materials, thicknesses, and sizes, with prices ranging from 6,000 to 15,000 VND per notebook; pencils and ballpoint pens cost from 3,000 to 10,000 VND per pen; and markers and correction pens cost from 8,000 to 20,000 VND per pen...

Specifically for backpacks and school bags this year, the market has seen many high-end products with added features to prevent hunching and scoliosis, ultra-lightweight bags, suitcases, etc., with prices ranging from 300,000 VND to over 1 million VND per item.

However, according to bookstore and shop owners, the demand for high-end items is not high; customers mainly focus on products in the affordable price range of 180,000 – 250,000 VND per item.

The Tu Chon Bookstore in Gia Cam ward, Viet Tri city, arranges science books by grade level, making it convenient for students to choose.

At the Tu Chon bookstore in Gia Cam ward, Viet Tri city, in the late afternoon, the number of students and parents choosing books and school supplies was higher than at the same time last month, especially in the evenings. Over 1,000 textbooks, reference materials, advanced books, and school supplies were scientifically arranged by grade level, with clear signage, making it easy for parents and students to choose.

Ms. Vu Thi Thanh Xuan, the store manager, said: "Starting in June, the store reviewed and assessed the demand for books to prepare a suitable supply of goods that closely matches the reality and needs of consumers. Regarding school supplies, the bookstore has also prepared a full range of essential items in various styles, qualities, and designs, but with the common characteristic of having transparent information and clear origins."

The abundance of products, guaranteed quality, and stable prices have made it easier for parents and students to choose suitable products; at the same time, it has also helped save on some expenses as the new school year begins.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung from Minh Phuong ward, Viet Tri city, the average cost of books and school supplies for each child at the beginning of the school year ranges from 1.5 to 2 million VND. Therefore, when shopping, in addition to considering criteria such as brand, origin, and certification, she also "hunts" for promotional programs to tighten spending and reduce the pressure of expenses when the new school year brings many costs.

Understanding customer psychology, bookstores, supermarkets, and stationery stores have launched promotional programs to stimulate consumer spending. GO! Viet Tri supermarket chain has implemented the "Happy to Go to School - Full of Energy" program, running from August 8th to August 21st, 2024. Many products for the new school year are on sale, such as: backpacks reduced from 299,000 VND to 189,000 VND/each; 10 notebooks (48 pages) reduced from 110,000 VND to 75,000 VND; and school supplies like notebooks, pencil cases, crayons, pens, rulers, etc., are discounted up to 46%. In addition, school uniforms and footwear are also heavily discounted up to 48%.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thi Trang – Director of Go! Viet Tri Supermarket said: "The supermarket has also arranged display and sales areas for school supplies for the new school year in easily visible areas; and added colorful and eye-catching signs and accessories to attract students and parents to shop."

Market Management Team No. 5 inspected textbooks and school supplies at Tham Khai Bookstore in Thanh Son town, Thanh Son district.

Amidst the bustling demand for back-to-school supplies, and to prevent the proliferation of counterfeit books and substandard school supplies, the Market Management Department has instructed its teams in districts, cities, and especially rural areas to effectively manage their territories, apply professional measures, and proactively coordinate with relevant agencies to strengthen inspections and handle violations related to textbooks and school supplies; particularly on social media platforms and e-commerce sites. Simultaneously, through inspections and public awareness campaigns, they aim to improve compliance with the law in the business of books and school supplies, protecting the legitimate rights and interests of both manufacturers and consumers.

Besides the involvement of relevant authorities, customers also need to become smart consumers by thoroughly researching information about distributors and origins to avoid buying counterfeit, fake, or low-quality goods... contributing to creating more joy and motivation for future generations to be ready for the new school year.

Ha Nhung

Source: https://baophutho.vn/thi-truong-do-dung-hoc-tap-hang-viet-chiem-uu-the-217285.htm