Unexpected Contrasts Between the Market and the Supermarket on the Morning of Tet Holiday

On the last morning of the lunar year, the traditional markets in Hanoi were packed with customers buying goods for Tet, the atmosphere was bustling and the stalls were filled with merchandise. Fresh produce, flowers, and offering items saw a slight increase in prices, while some fruits experienced a significant price drop. Meanwhile, many supermarkets were completely sold out of groceries, leaving customers empty-handed.

0
226

On the morning of the 30th of Tet, traditional markets in Hanoi were crowded. People hurriedly shopped for the Lunar New Year.

Chicken for worshiping, fruits, and vegetables are among the best-selling items on the morning of the 30th of Tet. Live worship chicken, weighing nearly 2kg, costs about 350,000 VND each, an increase of about 50,000 – 80,000 VND each. Pre-boiled chicken ranges from 500,000 – 600,000 VND each.

Vegetable prices have simultaneously increased, with items such as lettuce increasing by 20,000 VND/head, celery by 10,000 VND/small bulb, and sweet pickled cucumbers by 20,000 VND/kg… The prices of spices have also increased.

Meanwhile, meat prices have not increased significantly compared to previous years. Pork ribs are about 150,000 – 160,000 VND/kg, pork belly costs 130,000/kg, and other types of meat such as pork loin have increased by about 10,000 – 20,000 VND compared to normal prices

On the 30th of Tet, fresh flowers are in high demand, with peach blossoms priced at 20,000 VND/blossom, lilies priced at 40,000-60,000 VND/blossom.

Some special fruits for the fruit tray are unexpectedly expensive. Pomelo costing 30,000 – 40,000 VND/fruit, persimmon costing 50,000 – 70,000 VND/bunch, prices have increased several times compared to normal days.

Meanwhile, “golden-covered” coconuts are being sold at a lower price, costing 100,000 VND/fruit, but on the morning of the 30th, they only cost 40,000 VND/fruit.

Despite the sharp price reduction, there are still dozens of coconuts waiting for customers. Traders shared that this is the first year they are selling this type of coconut, so the product is still unfamiliar to customers.

In contrast to the bustle and abundance of goods in traditional markets, some supermarkets have run out of goods early on the morning of the 30th of Tet. Supermarkets have stopped importing and have sold out of fresh produce (photo: Pham Tuyen)

All refrigerated display cases are empty. Previously, meat prices were reduced by 20%. (photo: Pham Tuyen)

Fresh vegetables, live and processed foods are well-presented on the shelves. Some supermarket systems in Hanoi will close at 12pm today and reopen on the 2nd day of Tet. (photo: Pham Tuyen)