Fresh flowers are in high demand, and gifts are heavily discounted for International Women's Day (March 8th).

Fresh flowers are in high demand, prices have increased slightly.

In early March, many flower shops on streets in Thanh Vinh and Truong Vinh wards, as well as in the centers of other communes and wards, were busy preparing for the peak shopping season for International Women's Day (March 8th). From early morning, staff at the shops continuously arranged and assembled flowers, completing flower baskets to deliver to customers on time. The atmosphere became more bustling as the number of pre-orders increased rapidly compared to normal days. On the display shelves, many pre-designed bouquets and flower baskets were showcased in a variety of styles, from small, simple bouquets to multi-tiered arrangements with elaborate wrapping paper and decorative accessories. Many shops also continuously updated new designs, displayed signs accepting flower orders, and promoted their products on social media platforms.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong, owner of a flower shop on Nguyen Van Cu Street (Truong Vinh Ward), said that the number of pre-orders this year has increased by about 35-40% compared to last year. Many customers tend to order flowers early to choose beautiful designs and stable prices, while also avoiding order overload on the actual holiday. Currently, online orders account for more than half of the shop's total orders, with customers mainly requesting delivery to their doorstep at specific times.

This year's fresh flower market has also seen slight price adjustments for some popular flower varieties. Roses – the main item for International Women's Day (March 8th) – are being sold at prices ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 VND per stem, depending on color and quality. Baby's breath costs from 180,000 to 220,000 VND per bouquet; lilies range from 35,000 to 60,000 VND per stem. Pre-designed bouquets and flower arrangements are commonly priced at 300,000 to 800,000 VND per product.

Besides roses, many other types of flowers such as ranunculus, cosmos, willow, peonies, and tulips are also widely available, priced at around 120,000 – 200,000 VND per bouquet. In the high-end segment, bouquets using imported flowers and elaborate designs with acrylic boxes or decorative accessories can cost up to 1 million VND. According to vendors, this year's prices haven't increased significantly compared to normal days.

Besides fresh flowers, in recent years, artificial silk flowers have also become a popular choice for many customers, especially on social media platforms. This shift stems from the demand for gifts that can last a long time. Unlike fresh flowers, which only retain their beauty for a few days, silk flowers can be displayed for an extended period and are considered by many as a commemorative gift or decorative item.

According to Mr. Hoang Anh Ngoc, the owner of a silk flower shop in Thanh Vinh ward, the number of customers buying silk flowers for International Women's Day (March 8th) this year has increased significantly. The most popular products are still those in red and pink tones, symbolizing love and good wishes for women. Many products are also designed to incorporate teddy bears, greeting cards, or decorative silk layers to enhance their aesthetic appeal.

Currently, popular silk flower arrangements are priced from 380,000 to 450,000 VND, while larger arrangements with more accessories or elaborate designs cost around 700,000 VND. Compared to some high-end fresh flower bouquets, this price range is considered reasonable by many customers because the product can be used for a long time and is suitable for decorating home spaces.

The gift market is diverse, with deep discounts.

Along with fresh flowers, the gift market for International Women's Day this year is also quite vibrant with a wide variety of items on display such as cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, shoes, handbags, etc., with many promotional programs implemented to attract customers and stimulate consumer demand.

At some supermarkets and shopping malls, the cosmetics and personal care product sections have expanded their display area. Many products are labeled "Great Prices for International Women's Day" with discounts ranging from 20% to 45%. Gift combos including shower gel, shampoo, and mini perfumes are pre-packaged, making it easy for customers to choose gifts.

In addition, many fashion brands are simultaneously launching deep discount programs to stimulate consumer demand. At some stores on Nguyen Van Cu Street, "sale" signs are prominently displayed with discounts ranging from 50% to 70%. Many products such as shirts, skirts, vests, jackets, and trousers are heavily discounted to attract shoppers.

Ms. Duong Le Anh, an employee of a fashion brand on this street, said that the store is offering discounts of 50-70% on most products. This is both a customer appreciation program for International Women's Day (March 8th) and an opportunity for the store to clear out excess inventory after Tet (Lunar New Year) and prepare for new collections.

This is also the transitional period between seasons, so many brands are having clearance sales on their winter products. Items like sweaters, wool coats, and vests are displayed in prominent areas with significant discounts. Many office wear and youth fashion stores in shopping malls are also offering buy-two-get-one-free deals or items priced at 199,000-399,000 VND per product. Mr. Pham Tuan Dung, a customer, said: “Many fashion brands are offering discounts up to 70%, so instead of buying flowers or cosmetics, I chose to buy designer shirts or dresses to give to my mother, wife, daughter, and sister. In my opinion, this is a practical and economical gift.”

With abundant supply, flexible pricing, and many attractive promotional programs, the retail market is entering its peak shopping season leading up to International Women's Day (March 8th). Retail businesses expect purchasing power to continue to increase in the days before the holiday, thereby contributing to stimulating consumer demand in the first months of 2026.