HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — The onset of the hot season in HCM City has sent the sales of refrigerators and air conditioners skyrocketing, electronics retailers said.

A spokesperson for dienmay.com, a major retailer, was quoted as saying by Thoi Bao Kinh Te Viet Nam (Viet Nam Economic Times) newspaper that sales has picked up since the beginning of this month.

He expected the sales of electric fans, refrigerators, and air conditioner to increase by 500 per cent.

Le Pham Anh Thy, marketing director of another major retailer, Nguyen Kim, said his company too has seen sharp growth, adding sales would surely increase further in the coming days.

Retailers said many advanced new products including energy-saving and green ones have appeared on the market.

Established brand names such as Toshiba, Daikin, LG, and Samsung remain the bestsellers.

Retailers predict the market to get hotter in April and May when temperatures climb to peak levels, and prices to increase by at least 5 per cent.

But many promotion programmes, introduced in the middle of March, will remain on offer.

Nguyen Kim offers free installation of air conditioners and foots up to VND500,000 the cost of materials like pipes for the installation and besides doubling the guarantee period. It also offers discounts of up to 30 per cent on some refrigerators, fans, and air conditioners.

Thien Hoa Electronic Centre offers customers vouchers for 50 per cent discount and interest-free hire-purchase of appliances and gifts. — VNS