From the evening of January 22 (23rd day of the lunar month), the shopping demand in Hanoi surged dramatically. Shopping centers and supermarkets across the city became packed with people as everyone rushed to buy goods for the upcoming Tet holiday.
The Bustle at Shopping Malls
At around 7 PM on January 23, a shopping mall in Ha Dong district saw a significant increase in shoppers. Counters selling candy, coffee, alcohol, and essential foods were always bustling with customers. Prices ranged from 60,000 to 500,000 VND, catering to various budgets.
Busy supermarket in Hanoi during Tet
In addition, pre-packaged Tet gift baskets were a popular choice for many families. Prices varied from 400,000 to over 1 million VND depending on quality and design.
The Food Section Always Thriving
The food section at supermarkets was constantly crowded. Staff continuously replenished shelves to meet the demands of shoppers. Ms. Oanh from Hoai Duc, Hanoi, shared, “Every year, I go shopping early to prepare offerings, candies, and alcohol for both sides of my family. These days, everywhere is busy, so I’m used to waiting in line.”
Demand for Clothing and Alcoholic Beverages
Apart from food, clothing and footwear sections also attracted many buyers. Alcoholic beverages, particularly wine and beer, received significant attention, especially from men.
Changes in Shopping Habits
A shop owner on Thai Ha street noted that this year, online shopping increased, but many still preferred visiting physical stores for larger purchases. His store diversified its products, ranging from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of VND, to cater to customer needs.
Situation at Traditional Candy Streets
On the same afternoon, streets like Hang Boom and Hang Gai in Hoan Kiem district were also bustling with shoppers. Stalls selling candy by weight drew many customers, with prices ranging from 150,000 to 300,000 VND per kg. A stall owner said, “Pre-packed gift baskets sold slower than last year, so I switched to custom orders to give customers more control.”
Conclusion
As Tet approaches, supermarkets and traditional candy streets in Hanoi are busier than ever. People rush to shop for a full and meaningful Tet. Despite changes in shopping habits, the spirit of Tet preparation remains strong among the capital’s residents.
