Despite the complicated developments of the pandemic, recent hike in retail sales has shown positive signs for the shopping market at the end of the year.

Confectionery products are among best sellers for Tet. IN PHOTO: Customers are seen shopping at the Co.opmarrt Da Nang. Photo: QUYNH TRANG

Currently, a variety of cakes, jams and sweets for Tet are on sale in such downtown markets as Con and Dong Da.

Mrs. Ha, the owner of the Ha Cuong confectionery stall at the Con Market, said that she has started selling Tet confectionery for one week although there have not been an increase in purchasing power of local inhabitants.

According to Mrs. Ha, the prices of confectionery products have increased slightly as compared to the previous year. Some higher-end products have an increase of about 5-10% in the price. The prices of confectionery usually range from a few dozen to a few hundred thousand of VND per packaging box depending on their types.

A representative of a chain of Vinmart+ convenience stores said that despite the complicated situation of the pandemic, the year-end shopping market still has positive signs and hopes for growth in the near future. Currently, the volume of tet goods at the VinMart+ system has increased by 30% compared to the average sale volume, focusing on groups of fresh goods, food and essentials.

As observed, a wide range of eye-catching and qualified Tet baskets have hit shelves of such major supermarkets as Vinmart, Co.opmart and Go!. The price of each basket depends on the quantity and quality of the items they contain, and they range in price from VND300,000 to over VND1 million each.

Nhat Linh, a staff member at the Co.opmart Da Nang, said that customers now tend to buy healthful foods, so Tet gift baskets include such nutritious nuts as macadamia nuts, walnuts, cashews, green tea buds and bird's nest water.

Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen Huu Hanh said from now until the Lunar New Year 2022, the department would encourage retailers to ensure an abundant supply of Tet goods for local citizens and diversify sales forms in the new period of adaptation to COVID-19.

He also urged large retailers in the city to have specific plans to ensure the safety of their staff and customers amid fears over COVID-19. In addition, more mobile points selling fresh food and essential goods will be strengthened across the city in a bid to serve Tet shopping needs of local habitants.

Reporting by QUYNH TRANG - Translating by M.DUNG