According to our reporters, the number of shops selling votive paper offerings on Hang Ma street (Hang Bo ward, Hoan Kiem district, Hanoi) has decreased, and the remaining shops are experiencing a decline in customers and sales.
Instead of the bustling scenes of people coming and going in the shops as in previous years, many merchants have to wait idly this year, playing with their phones while waiting for customers.
A few customers arrive despite the upcoming full moon of the seventh lunar month.
Although there are fewer shops and merchants are importing less stock, this year’s votive paper offerings are brand new and extremely diverse in terms of types, designs, and colors.
The votive paper offerings are displayed throughout the stalls.
In addition to traditional items such as clothes, horses, hats, and gold ingots, many stalls also sell expensive items such as houses, laptops, phones, and cars.
Jewelry and cosmetics with “luxury” branding are also available at many votive paper offering stalls.
These items are designed to look like genuine products for the deceased.
Not only are the designs diverse, but the colors of the clothing for the deceased are also quite varied.
A votive paper offering shop with clothing for all ages.
The paper dresses and clothes are meticulously crafted to resemble real garments.
Following the belief that the afterlife should reflect the living world, merchants strive to offer a wide range of products to meet their customers’ needs.
Despite the diverse and abundant offerings, many merchants worry that purchasing power has significantly decreased this year. They have imported a lot of stock, but there are few buyers.
Ms. Nga, a merchant on Hang Ma street, shared that she sells votive paper offerings year-round. During the full moon of the seventh lunar month, she imports more stock than usual. The designs of the products are becoming more beautiful and vivid, and the prices remain stable. However, sales are still slow.
Shop till you drop
While Hanoi residents rush to go shopping for Tet, the purchasing power in some localities remains relatively slow. Nevertheless, both the quantity and price of goods are being kept stable.
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