Food, personal care products, and school supplies were among the fastest-growing categories, fueling momentum for the city’s target of 18% annual trade growth.

Over the four-day holidays, retail systems reported bustling shopping and leisure activities. At MM Mega Market Vietnam, customer traffic rose 15–20% compared to regular days, peaking in the afternoon and evening. Sales of dry and essential goods doubled, while fresh produce sales rose 18% year-on-year.

“Anticipating higher demand, we increased supply by 15% over last year, offered more promotions, and ensured price stability for key products,” said Dinh Quang Khoi, Marketing Director of MM Mega Market Vietnam. He added that with strong sales on the final day, the company is confident about achieving positive results this season.

Shoppers also highlighted the festive atmosphere. After a two-day trip, Nguyen Thi Thu from An Khanh ward said her family enjoyed both shopping and leisure time before returning to work and school. She praised the supermarket’s decorations and promotions as well-suited to consumer sentiment during the holidays.

Winmart also reported strong demand, particularly on the first and last days of the break. The supermarket chain saw a surge in online shopping as more consumers opted to order from home during their time off. To meet demand, Winmart increased its stock by 40%, focusing on fresh produce, processed foods, and fruit.

“Sales rose sharply as forecast, especially in essential goods,” said Nguyen Thi Thuy Huong, Chief Operating Officer of WinCommerce. She noted that during peak hours, all staff were mobilised to serve shoppers, adding that consumers continue to prioritise safe, eco-friendly, and responsibly produced products.

Other retail chains, including Co.opmart, Emart, Lotte Mart, and AEON, also reported shopping booms. Integrated shopping malls attracted large crowds from early morning, combining entertainment, dining, and shopping. Vietnamese-branded products with attractive promotions saw particularly strong demand, offering retailers and producers opportunities to track consumption trends and diversify product lines.

Traditional markets such as Ben Thanh, Ba Chieu, and Nguyen Tri Phuong also enjoyed brisk business. Sales of vegetables and fresh foods rose significantly, though prices remained stable. Vendors said they prepared abundant supplies and offered promotions and gifts to loyal customers, creating a lively shopping atmosphere during the holidays.

The holiday surge reflected rising consumer spending in HCM City’s retail sector, with both modern trade and traditional markets benefiting. Market experts, however, cautioned that retailers must adopt “post-holiday retention” strategies to sustain momentum. Without continued promotions and engagement, purchasing power could cool down after the holiday peak.

To maintain stable growth, experts recommend retailers to enhance customer experiences, expand online services, and diversify products to meet multi-channel shopping needs.

HCM City gears up to welcome visitors during National Day holiday

As the four-day National Day (September 2) holiday is approaching, Ho Chi Minh City is stepping up preparations to welcome an anticipated surge of visitors, with travel companies, hotels and tourist attractions upgrading services and offering new experiences to meet growing demand.