Nghe An: Flower and gift market for International Women's Day (March 8th) is sluggish.

To cater to Valentine's Day, flower shops are launching many new, unique, and diverse flower arrangements at relatively affordable prices, unchanged from regular days. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Unlike previous years, when fresh flowers were the most popular item during the week of March 8th, this year, sales were quite sluggish despite the wide variety of flowers available on the market and prices remaining unchanged compared to normal days.

Ms. Vo Thi Thu Huong, owner of a flower shop on Thanh Thai Street (Vinh City), said: “Only roses have seen a slight price increase, while other flowers such as lavender, sunflowers, lilies, delphiniums, willow branches, ranunculus, chrysanthemums, etc., are quite affordable. Although we have been running a “Customer Appreciation Sale” program since the beginning of the week, accepting orders for flower arrangements, baskets, bouquets… according to customer requests at discounted prices, orders are still sporadic. Compared to previous years, the number of customers has decreased by about 40% this year.”

Despite launching promotional campaigns offering a 30,000 VND discount plus free shipping or a free gift with each flower order to stimulate sales, consumption of fresh flowers remains very sluggish.

The market for fresh flowers on International Women's Day (March 8th) this year is very sluggish, with consumption down about 40% compared to previous years. Photo: Thanh Phuc

This year, the market for flowers and gifts in university and college areas is quite quiet, even though students have returned to school after a long break. The reason is believed to be that, unlike February 14th, a holiday primarily for young people, March 8th is a holiday for many people – mothers, friends, relatives, and lovers – so students are not the main target customers. Therefore, instead of giving flowers specifically to one person, many male students choose to personally go to the market and cook meals for the female students in their class, group, or dormitory.

Meanwhile, other items such as cosmetics, jewelry, clothing, and shoes aren't doing much better. Understanding that customers are still hesitant to go out shopping, fashion and cosmetics shops have boosted online sales, taking orders by phone and accepting payments via bank transfer or cash on delivery, but sales remain low.

Despite displaying signs advertising "Gratitude Sales Week" and "Sending Love to Women" with attractive promotions, women's fashion stores on Nguyen Van Cu, Le Hong Phong, and Kim Dong streets did not see an increase in customer numbers compared to previous days.

"Compared to previous years, the number of customers has decreased by 20-30%. This is because during the pandemic, most people had no need to go out, socialize, or travel, so purchasing power decreased sharply. In addition, due to the difficult economic situation, many people tightened their spending and did not shop as lavishly as before..."

Ms. Nguyen Hong Vinh, owner of a women's fashion shop on Nguyen Van Cu Street (Vinh City)

Due to the volatile price of gold, the prices of women's jewelry also fluctuate accordingly. To attract buyers, jewelry stores not only launch new, beautiful designs but also offer 20% discounts and completely free after-sales service (exchanges, warranties), yet the number of customers buying jewelry as gifts remains very low.

With businesses and trade facing difficulties, many people are cutting back on spending, refraining from splurging on extravagant flowers and gifts, and opting instead for more practical presents.