Binh Tay candy market is bustling at the end of the year

As one of the largest markets selling Tet confectionery in Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Tay market (District 6) has been bustling for many weeks now.

Many customers still worry

With a history of nearly 100 years, Binh Tay Market (District 6, Ho Chi Minh City) is not only a place to buy and sell goods but also a symbol of the city's trading culture. As the Lunar New Year approaches, the area selling cakes, jams, candies, spices and dried foods at the market becomes even more bustling, attracting a large number of customers to shop.

However, despite the large number of customers, purchasing power this year has decreased significantly compared to last year. According to estimates from small traders, purchasing power has increased by 5-10% compared to the beginning of the month, but this year's business situation is still not as expected.

Binh Tay Market (District 6, Ho Chi Minh City) is one of the largest traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the reporter of Cong Thuong Newspaper at Binh Tay market these days, the stalls selling cakes, jams and candies are always bustling with people coming and going. The goods are fully displayed, with all kinds from traditional to modern, with eye-catching colors.

Familiar Tet jams such as coconut jam, ginger jam, and pumpkin jam still hold the leading position, along with traditional cashew candy, ginger candy, and rice crackers. Coconut jam - the most popular product - costs from 120,000 - 150,000 VND/kg, depending on quality and flavor. Other jams such as lotus jam or kumquat jam, cost from 130,000 - 220,000 VND/kg but are still purchased by many customers. Nuts such as walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, macadamia nuts, etc. also cost around 120,000 - 230,000 VND depending on the type. Some candies are cheaper, such as ginger candy, peanut candy, etc., with prices ranging from 70,000 - 120,000 VND/kg.

This year, the prices of goods have not fluctuated much compared to last year.

Ms. Lan Phuong, a merchant who has been selling cakes and jams at the market for more than 10 years, said: “ Since the beginning of the 11th lunar month until now, the number of customers has started to increase. Many people buy wholesale to prepare goods for resale. However, compared to last year, purchasing power has decreased significantly.”

Ms. Nguyen Thi Linh, owner of a candy stall, shared: “Every year, at this time, customers flock to the market to buy wholesale. In previous years, we imported goods by the containerload, but this year we only imported dry goods such as candy, and we still don’t dare to import as much jam as before .”

Less than two months until Tet, the candy and jam stalls at Binh Tay market are bustling.

The spice and dried food business area at Binh Tay market is also quite bustling and vibrant. Typical spices for Tet dishes such as five-spice powder, turmeric powder, pepper, shallots, and dried garlic are all in demand. Many people buy in large quantities to sell retail or to use gradually during Tet.

The spice business area is quite vibrant.

Mr. Hung, the owner of a spice stall, said: “Traditional Tet dishes such as braised pork, bamboo shoot soup, or spring rolls all require special spices. Therefore, the end of the year is our main business season. This year, prices have not fluctuated much, so customers can buy quite comfortably.”

In addition to spices, a variety of dried foods such as dried shrimp, dried fish, and dried squid are sold. Grade 1 dried shrimp costs from 1.1 to 1.3 million VND/kg, while dried fish and dried squid, depending on the type, cost from 300,000 to 600,000 VND/kg.

Dried goods not only serve the needs of customers in Ho Chi Minh City but are also exported to other provinces and cities or given as Tet gifts, so they are quite attractive to customers.

Clothing and household goods industry is quieter

While stalls selling cakes, jams, candies and dried foods were bustling, other product lines at Binh Tay Market were relatively quiet. Stalls selling clothes, household goods and souvenirs recorded a relatively low number of visitors and shoppers.

The fashion industry still faces many difficulties in business.

Ms. Thu Hang, a clothing retailer, shared: “This time of year was very crowded, the store had to hire more people. But from last year to this year, the number of customers has decreased significantly, mainly only regular customers come to buy. People seem to be tightening their spending, focusing on food and Tet items.”

Similarly, household goods stalls, such as dishes and kitchen utensils, also faced a lack of customers. Mr. Vinh, the owner of a household goods stall, expressed: "This year, the number of customers has decreased sharply, there are days when the store only sells a few items."

Household items are also in the same situation of "slow" sales.

Traders at Binh Tay Market said that the difference in purchasing power between product categories comes from many reasons. First, the difficult economic situation makes consumers prioritize essential goods over unnecessary products. In addition, shopping trends are changing, as many people choose to order online instead of going to traditional markets.

In addition, competition from supermarkets and convenience stores is also a factor that reduces the number of customers at the market. These locations often have attractive promotions, while meeting the convenience needs of modern consumers.

Although purchasing power has not met expectations, traders at Binh Tay Market are still optimistically waiting for the boom in the days leading up to Tet. The tradition of shopping at Tet markets is still a habit that is difficult to change for many people in Ho Chi Minh City. With a variety of products, from cakes, jams, candies, spices to dried foods and many other items, Binh Tay Market still maintains its role as one of the major shopping centers, bringing convenience and joy to both sellers and buyers during the traditional festival season. Not only a place to shop, Binh Tay Market also brings the Tet atmosphere through familiar items and a bustling atmosphere.

Source: https://congthuong.vn/tp-ho-chi-minh-cho-keo-banh-binh-tay-nhop-nhip-dip-cuoi-nam-364797.html