Most of the toys are from China. — Photos VNA

HCM CITY (Biz Hub) — HCM City is gearing up to celebrate the International Children's Day, June 1, by filling its supermarkets and shops with all kinds of toys and fun activities for children.

Many retail and wholesale toy shops in the area around Binh Tay Market in District 6 have been stocking up on toys since the middle of this month.

Many of them have also received orders from many provinces and cities.

According to traders here, most of the toys are from China. Prices had risen slightly from last year, they said.

Many shops on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 1 and Phan Van Han Street in Binh Thanh District are also stocked up on all kinds of toys.

A shop owner on Phan Van Han Street said sales were still modest but expected to rise strongly closer to June 1.

Dolls, cuddly rabbits, dogs, and cooking toy sets are among the most popular items for girls, while for boys it was battery-operated cars, toy aeroplanes, and robots, she said.

Supermarkets are also in on the act, and are offering promotions and other attractions.

Co.opmart and Co.opXtra supermarket chains have two promotions offering discounts on 1,600 items until June 3.

One of the programmes, dubbed "Ron rang tet thieu nhi" (Children's bustling festival), offers discounts of up to 35 per cent on children's products like safe toys (with CR safety guarantee), dolls, nutrition products, cosmetics, and summer clothing.

During weekends children can take part in cake-decoration competitions organised at Co.opmart, Co.opXtra, and Co.op Bakery outlets.

Big C has launched two promotions at its 30 outlets nation-wide offering discounts of 5-49 per cent on more than 1,500 items like milk products, confectionery, brain–training and educational toys from May 19 to June 1.

Children can also take part in cake baking contests at all Big C stores (except Big C An Phu in HCM City) and win attractive prizes like scooters and bicycles.

Lotte Mart is offering discounts of 10-50 per cent on hundreds of items for children like toys, confectionery, milk, and fashion products at all its stores from May 26 to June 8.

There will be activities like painting and karaoke contests for kids at Lotte Mart outlets.

The Korean supermarket will give away 500 scholarships worth VND300,000 (US$14) each to outstanding students at 10 primary schools around the country. — VNS