Following the Lunar New Year holiday, supermarkets, traditional markets, and most businesses across Hoa Binh province have resumed operations. According to relevant authorities, the supply of goods remains abundant, with stable prices meeting consumers' demand.
The market remains stable before, during, and after the holiday,
ensuring sufficient supply for shoppers.
As early as Q3 2024, businesses had begun
stockpiling goods for the festive season. Notably, supermarkets increased their
reserves by 50% compared to the previous year, prioritising essential items
such as rice, meat, vegetables, confectionery and beverages to ensure supply
and food safety.
The Department of Industry and Trade partnered
with enterprises to implement a price stabilisation programme, with five
companies committing to maintaining stable prices for nine essential product
groups, including staple foods, fresh and processed food, cooking oil,
condiments, sugar, milk, domestic liquor, beer, and beverages. Businesses allocated
48 billion VND to support the programme, preventing shortages and sudden price
hikes during the holiday season.
Nguyen Thi Mai, a vendor at Nghia Phuong market
in Hoa Binh city, noted that consumers' habits have shifted, with shoppers
buying only as needed rather than stockpiling. This change has reduced the risk
of temporary shortages seen in previous years.
To protect consumer rights and prevent trade
fraud, the Department of Industry and Trade collaborated with the Market
Surveillance Department and other agencies to intensify inspections.
Enforcement teams focused on product quality, pricing and food safety, cracking
down on counterfeit and substandard goods.
Head of the General Affairs Division at the
Market Surveillance Department Do Manh Dung said inspections conducted before,
during, and after Lunar New Year resulted in 19 violations, with administrative
fines totaling 251 million VND. Authorities also confiscated goods worth over 5
million VND and ordered the destruction of counterfeit products valued at
nearly 250 million VND.
These efforts have significantly improved
transparency in business practices, fostering a fair and healthy market
environment while ensuring consumers have access to quality products at stable
prices.
According to the Department of Industry and
Trade, total retail sales in January 2025 were estimated at over 1.8 trillion
VND, a 17.48% increase year-on-year. Key product categories, including food,
household goods and appliances, saw strong growth, reflecting heightened
consumer demand for the holiday season.
