Air conditioners on sale at Pico Plaza Electric Machinery Supermarket in Ha Noi. Demand for air-cooling products such as air conditioners, refrigerators and fans are set to increase as summer temperatures soar in the capital city. — VNS Photo Truong Vi

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — Purchases of air conditioners, refrigerators, electric fans and other electrical products to ward off the summer heat soared during the past two months in HCM City.

Similarly, sales of these appliances are expected to to increase in Ha Noi.

According to Nguyen Huu Quoc Cuong, in charge of electronic and refrigerator products for electronic retailer Dienmay.com, purchases of these products increased sharply in March, when the hot season began in the southern city.

Air-conditioners were among the best selling products. Also, electric fans and steam fans saw strong sales, because they were more affordable for the average consumers.

Meanwhile, officials at Nguyen Kim electric retail supermarket said purchases in mid -March were seen to improve about four times, other than in January of this year.

Meanwhile, in Ha Noi, the consumption of these products remained slow, as the summer heat came later than usual, which had just arrived in the capital city several days ago.

According to the owner of an electric store in Ha Noi, consumers rushed to buy air conditioners at the same time last year. But this year, as it remained cool until the beginning of May, the purchases remained low, to date.

However, retailers expected the buying demand would improve soon, with the first heat of over 39 degree celsius hitting the northern provinces, including Ha Noi, starting at the end of last week.

In an effort to stimulate demand, electronic supermarkets in Ha Noi also introduced many promotional programmes with discounts up to 50 per cent this month to attract buyers.

The consumption of televisions was also expected to increase by 30 per cent to 50 per cent this season, as the World Cup takes place in June. —VNS