Consumers shop at Sai Gon Co.op Mart in HCM City. Several supermarkets in the City saw an upsurge in sales during the holidays. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vu

HCM CITY (VNS) — Several supermarkets in HCM City reported an upsurge in sales during the Liberation Day (April 30) and May Day holidays when they offered big discounts.

Big C supermarket, which offered discounts of 5-50 per cent, said the rise in sales reached its target.

Huynh Thi Ngoc Tram, head of Big C's public relations in the south, said the supermarket had stocked 30 per cent more than on normal days, and sold a lot of ready-to-eat and processed foods, fruits, vegetables and soft drinks.

There was also big demand for discounted items like kitchen utensils, garments and cosmetics, she added.

Sai Gon Co.op Mart chain also reported higher sales.

Vo Hoang Anh, director of Sai Gon Co.op Mart's marketing department, said sales of fresh and processed foods, fruits and vegetables, milk, and beverages increased sharply as people shopped for holiday parties.

Other retailers like Maximark and Citimart were also happy with higher sales.

To cope with the rush, the supermarkets employed more cashiers than normal and offered free delivery.

However, traditional markets like Thi Nghe and Tan Dinh reported normal sales.

Tran Thi Kiem Hoa of the Tan Dinh Market management board said only stalls selling fresh food like meat, seafood, fruits and vegetables reported higher sales than normal.

Prices were stable despite the high demand, except of chicken eggs and certain vegetables, but that was due to a supply shortfall, she said. — VNS