Shopee successfully wrapped up the year-end shopping season with a record-breaking 12.12 Birthday Sale.

On 12 December 12 million items were sold in the first 24 minutes, and at its peak one million items were bought in a single minute, the company said.

Shopping activities surged at the stroke of midnight on December 11, and four times the items were sold in the first hour compared to last year.

Tran Tuan Anh, managing director, Shopee Vietnam, said: “We are humbled to end the year on a high note with a record 12.12 Birthday Sale.

“Given the unprecedented year that 2020 has been, we wanted our fifth birthday to be a special day not just for Shopee but for the people we serve.

“E-commerce has become of increasing importance in our lives and has evolved beyond a platform to access basic needs to one that connects people and businesses. We are glad to have been able to celebrate the past five years with our users, sellers and brand partners and are truly excited for what is to come."

Users enjoyed a constant stream of attractive deals on 12 December supported by Shopee’s robust eco-system.

Shoppers took this chance to fulfill their entire essential and entertainment needs, with health and beauty, home and living and mobile and accessories emerging as the best-selling product categories.

Skincare was a big priority as people geared up for the festive season and the new year, and 1,000 skincare items flew off the shelves every minute, with skincare lotions, facial masks and creams and facial scrubs being the most popular.

Some 830,000 smartphones and accessories were sold in 24 hours.

Consumers took the time to revitalise their kitchen during the 12.12 Birthday Sale, with 60,000 items sold in the cooking utensils and cutlery categories.

Hà Nội saw the highest shopping activity, with 550,000 items being sold in a single hour during the peak time.

Consumers aged 18-34 were the most active of all age ranges, and the item they bought the most being Bluetooth earphones, which sold over 15,000 pieces. — VNS