Early morning on February 14th, at Hồ Thị Kỷ flower market—one of the oldest and most famous flower markets in Ho Chi Minh City—vendors displayed a variety of flowers, from roses and carnations to lilies and newly imported blooms from local and regional gardens.
Alongside traditional red roses, many men opted for unique and eye-catching flowers, handcrafting bouquets to surprise their partners.
“After work, I stopped by to personally choose flowers for my wife. I want to express my love through this vibrant bouquet. I believe a beautiful bouquet will help me convey my sincere feelings,” shared Mr. Tuấn from District 8.
Many men showed dedication in selecting flowers, asking vendors about their meanings. Each bloom was chosen not only for its beauty but also for the deep messages of love, loyalty, and lasting commitment it carried.
This year, red roses remained the top choice, with bouquets ranging from $15 to $30 being popular among buyers.
However, according to Dân Trí reporters, customer traffic was disappointingly low. Meanwhile, flower prices surged during the holiday season, leaving many vendors in a difficult position.
Mr. Công Vinh, owner of a flower stall at the market, shared: “Flower prices increased by 30-50% compared to regular days, but customers haggle fiercely. Some people expect to buy beautiful bouquets at unbelievably low prices. For instance, they offer just $2.50 for a rose bouquet that should cost over $10. If we don’t sell, we face losses; if we do, we barely break even.”
Due to skyrocketing prices, many vendors hesitated to stock up on flowers. As a result, some customers visited two or three stalls without finding what they wanted.
On Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street in District 5, Ms. Nguyễn Hải Vân enthusiastically introduced bouquets she had prepared weeks in advance.
Ms. Vân meticulously crafted each bouquet herself. Bouquets with cash attached started at $25, allowing customers to adjust the amount as desired. Additionally, silk or wax flowers were available, priced between $10 and $100 depending on size and quantity.
Despite Ms. Vân’s enthusiasm, customers aggressively bargained, offering just $10 for a $32 bouquet.
“I’ve been selling flowers here during holidays for 7-8 years, traveling all the way from Thủ Đức. But I’ve never seen such unreasonable bargaining before. Every flower is made with care to bring joy to its recipient. Yet, when selling, some people haggle so much that it feels disheartening. A bouquet represents effort and emotion, but they treat it like cheap produce,” Ms. Vân said tearfully.
Despite slashing prices on various Valentine’s gifts—including flowers, stuffed animals, and chocolates—many stalls remained deserted, with more sellers than buyers.
According to some vendors, the decline in sales could be attributed to shifting gift trends. Young people now opt for alternatives like cosmetics or experiential dates, intensifying competition for flower vendors.
An unexpected off-season downpour further dampened business, making the day even gloomier for vendors.
Valentine’s Day is a time for couples to express love and affection, with flowers serving as timeless symbols of romance and sincerity. Yet, behind every petal lies a story of struggle and resilience.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/an-sinh/dang-long-chuyen-ban-hoa-ngay-valentine-20250214214241945.htm
