Retail Market Heats Up Ahead of Tet
This year’s Tet retail market has seen a notable shift in pace. Instead of waiting until the last few days before the holiday, the shopping frenzy began as early as mid-January at major retailers like Aeon, Co.opmart, WinMart, GO!, and MM Mega Market.
The most evident sign of retailers’ proactive approach is the aggressive pricing strategy. Thousands of products across categories—from cosmetics and household goods to dry foods—are now discounted by 10% to 50%. Notably, promotions like “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” and “Savings Combos” are being heavily pushed for essentials such as laundry detergent, cooking oil, and packaged foods.
This wave of promotions is a strategic move to stimulate demand, as consumers are shopping earlier to take advantage of deals and avoid last-minute crowds. Deep discounts not only help businesses clear inventory and boost revenue but also encourage early shopping, reducing peak-season pressure on payment and delivery systems.

Massive promotions launched ahead of Tet celebrations.
This year’s top-selling categories have shifted significantly. Dry foods, household cleaning supplies, and gift baskets are currently dominating consumer spending.
At Aeon Binh Tan in Ho Chi Minh City’s An Lac Ward, personal care items like soap, detergent, and cleaning agents are in high demand. Bedding brands are also attracting crowds with 50% discounts or “Buy 1 Get 1 Free” offers.
For Tet gifts, locally sourced “green and practical” baskets featuring Vietnamese agricultural products and domestic fruits are outpacing expensive imported options. Retailers have introduced a wide range of gift baskets priced from just 100,000 to 500,000 VND. Some even offer minimalist gift sets and lucky candy towers starting at 49,000 VND, catering to all income levels.

Ensuring Fresh Food Supply
While consumer goods are heavily discounted, fresh food prices face upward pressure. In Ho Chi Minh City, pork prices under the market stabilization program have risen by 1-15% (2,000 – 12,000 VND/kg) due to fluctuating live pig prices.
Despite price adjustments, a robust reserve plan ensures a stable nationwide supply. In Hanoi, essential goods for Tet are planned based on three-month demand forecasts (pre-Tet, Tet, and post-Tet). The capital requires an estimated 301,000 tons of rice, 60,000 tons of pork, 20,000 tons of poultry, 401 million eggs, and over 334,000 tons of vegetables.

Tens of thousands of tons of fresh produce ready for Tet distribution.
Northern businesses have increased reserves by 10-20% compared to regular months. In the South, Ho Chi Minh City’s reserves total over 26 trillion VND—a record high to meet projected 30% peak-season demand increases on days like December 27-28.
WinMart reports a 25% increase in Tet inventory compared to regular days, with system-wide sales expected to rise 20-25% year-on-year. Focus is on core categories like confectionery, beverages, and family essentials, prioritizing reputable brands and diverse Tet-themed products for gifting and home use.
Dry goods and staples like rice and cooking oil are fully stocked to ensure consistent quality and supply throughout the peak season.
To prevent shortages or price spikes, authorities and businesses have implemented multi-channel distribution. Mobile sales units are delivering stabilized goods to industrial zones and suburban areas, while retailers commit to extended Tet hours, starting as early as January 2nd.
Enhanced online shopping and home delivery options aim to reduce in-store congestion and cater to modern buying habits. With comprehensive preparations in supply and pricing, the 2026 Tet market is poised to remain stable, enabling consumers to shop affordably and efficiently.
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