HCM CITY – Several supermarkets in HCM City reported a surge in sales during the National Day holiday thanks to promotion programmes and the start of the city's "Sales Promotion Month."

Big C, which offered discounts of 50 per cent on 1,500 products and will continue to offer 49 per cent on 4,000 others almost through next month, said the rise in sales was as it had expected.

Customers select goods at Big C supermarket. VNS File Photo

Duong Thi Quynh Trang, the French supermarket's director of Public Relations and Foreign Affairs, said sales of items with big discounts, such as essential goods, fresh and processed food, household utensils, garments, and cosmetics increased sharply.

Since it expected higher sales, it increased stocks as well as the number of cashiers, security officers, and free delivery and other services.

Co.opmart, the country's biggest supermarket chain, reported a more than 50 per cent jump in sales during the holiday.

It is offering discounts of up to 50 per cent on more than 2,000 products and this will continue virtually through September.

Vo Hoang Anh, marketing director of Sai Gon Co.op, said fresh food sales saw the sharpest increase -- by 70-80 per cent -- over normal days.

Other supermarkets like Maximark and Citimart also reported a jump in sales during the holiday.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Thao, director of Maximark Cong Hoa, said revenues were up 20-30 per cent, adding customers preferred discounted items.

A fair at the Phu Tho Indoor Stadium in District 11 that kicks off HCM City's annual sales promotion month in September is also attracting many customers with its discounts and freebies.

The fair, which closes today, has more than 400 stalls selling textile and garments, foodstuff, household appliances, consumer goods, and others. - VNS