The Christmas decoration market in Nghe An is sluggish.

Christmas decorations are abundant and diverse. Photo: Thanh Phuc

In previous years, at this time, Phu Quy's decorative goods store (located in the main market of Vinh) would hire 3-4 seasonal workers to pack Christmas decorations for retail outlets. This year, however, it's just the mother and daughter working independently. Ms. Nguyen Hong Phu, the store owner, said: "There's only one week left until Christmas."Christmas"But sales are very slow. Occasionally, people come to look, check prices, and buy a few items; wholesalers also import limited quantities. Revenue from this product has decreased by 70%."

Although prices haven't increased, purchasing power has dropped sharply. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Anticipating the pandemic and the resulting decrease in purchasing power, she also reduced the amount of goods imported. At the same time, she focused only on a few key, affordable items such as: string lights, wreaths, gift boxes, ornaments… while other items likeChristmas tree, Santa Claus, snowmanLarge-sized items are only brought in upon customer order. “These items are expensive (from 500,000 VND to several million VND per item), so we don’t dare stock up; unsold stock would tie up a lot of capital. Last year we sold hundreds of them, but this year we haven’t received any orders yet,” Ms. Phu added.

Most retailers are only importing small Christmas trees and moderately priced decorations, instead of the giant trees and "huge" Santa Claus figures of previous years. Photo: Thanh Phuc

To cater to the needs of decorating homes, restaurants, hotels, cafes, etc., bookstores in Vinh City have dedicated a corner to selling Christmas decorations with a wide variety of items in different types, sizes, and prices. However, according to bookstore staff, sales are very low, with only a few people coming to look and take pictures. In previous years, bookstore revenue during this month mainly came from these items.Christmas decorationsBut this year has been extremely bleak.

Due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants, hotels, and cafes experienced a sharp decline in revenue, and most entertainment venues ceased operations, leading to a reduction in store and shop decorations to cut costs.

Many restaurants and shops reuse old Christmas trees from previous years to decorate and create a focal point instead of buying new ones. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Mr. Hoang Cuong, the owner of a breakfast and coffee shop on Le Nin Street, said: “Every year, besides the two 3-5 meter tall Christmas trees at the two entrances, we also decorate with Santa Claus figures playing music, nativity scenes, and snowmen to create photo spots for young people and attract customers. This year, due to the pandemic, we've been closed repeatedly, and even after reopening, there are few customers, so our income is limited. To save costs, the shop is reusing the old Christmas trees and only buying a few replacement decorations.”

On the other hand, due to the complicated development of the pandemic, schools, especially kindergens, are temporarily closed, and people's desire to go out is limited. Families are also tightening their spending, and decorating their homes for Christmas is not as extravagant as in previous years. Therefore, although the prices of Christmas decorations have not increased, sales are still slow and sluggish.

Many establishments offering Santa Claus gift delivery services have also temporarily suspended operations this year due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Thanh Phuc

Around this time in previous years, on websites and social media sites,Santa Claus gift delivery servicePreviously, the service was very busy, with many units fully booked and overwhelmed with orders, but this year it's quite quiet. "Up to this point, not a single customer has booked this service, and our group will temporarily suspend this activity this Christmas because the pandemic situation is quite complicated. The service package includes delivering gifts directly to the children, giving them to them in person, and taking photos with them…," said Tuan Linh, the leader of a Santa Claus gift delivery service group located on Tan Hung Street (Vinh City).