CaliToday (09/12/2025): As the calendar turns to mid-December, the streets of Vietnam’s two major metropolises are already beginning to transform. With the Lunar New Year (Tet Bính Ngọ - Year of the Fire Horse) on the horizon, retailers in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have officially fired the starting gun on what is projected to be the most robust shopping season in three years.
1. The "Early Bird" Strategy
Unlike previous years where stocking began closer to January, major retail chains like Co.opmart, WinMart, and AEON have kicked off their campaigns early this morning.
The Scene: Warehouses are operating at 120% capacity. Shelves are being flooded with goods featuring the "Golden Horse" motif—a symbol of energy, speed, and prosperity for 2026.
The Forecast: According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade and independent market analysis, purchasing power is forecast to increase by 15% compared to Tet 2025. This double-digit growth signals a strong recovery in consumer confidence after a period of cautious spending.
2. The "Dual Engine" of Growth: Food & Tech
While traditional items remain staples, the 2026 season is defined by two distinct spending poles: Premium Sustenance and High-Tech Upgrades.
A. The Feast: Premiumization of Tradition
Consumers are no longer just buying "enough"; they are buying "quality."
Gift Baskets: The traditional Gio Qua is getting a makeover. Retailers report a surge in orders for baskets containing imported wines, organic nuts, and bird's nest, replacing standard confectioneries.
Regional Specialties: There is a massive logistical push to bring regional specialties (OCOP products) from the Mekong Delta and Northwest highlands into city supermarkets, catering to the "homesick" urban workforce.
B. The "Smart Tet": Tech is the New Lucky Money
Surprisingly, technology retailers (like The Gioi Di Dong and FPT Shop) are joining the Tet race earlier than ever.
The Trend: "New Year, New Gear." Young consumers are allocating their year-end bonuses to upgrade smartphones (for better Tet photos) and smart home devices.
Top Sellers: Robot vacuum cleaners and smart kitchen appliances are flying off the shelves as families look to automate the dreaded pre-Tet house cleaning (dọn nhà).
3. Supply Chain and Price Stabilization
To handle the predicted 15% surge, the Departments of Industry and Trade in Hanoi and HCMC have worked with suppliers to lock in prices for essential goods.
Inventory: Billions of VND worth of goods have been stockpiled to prevent the "Tet price fever" (scarcity-driven inflation).
Omnichannel Push: It’s not just physical stores. TikTok Shop and Shopee Vietnam have launched massive "Tet 2026 Livestream marathons," allowing users to buy everything from banh chung to smart TVs with a single click.
Summary
The energy of the "Fire Horse" is already palpable in Vietnam's economy. With a 15% growth projection, Tet 2026 is shaping up to be not just a cultural celebration, but a massive commercial engine, driven by a population eager to leave the challenges of the past behind and spend their way into a prosperous new year.