Ho Chi Minh City saw heavy crowds and stronger retail activity on 1 January 2026 as domestic visitors and international tourists took advantage of New Year holidays and widespread discounts. Retailers described the Gregorian New Year as a key moment to kick off the peak shopping season ahead of the lunar New Year, with promotions and launches designed to capture early spending.
Ho Chi Minh City shopping surge draws regional visitors
Malls, shopping streets and cultural attractions were busy from mid-morning. Outside Thao Cam Vien, traffic marshals directed a steady flow of motorbikes as families and groups queued for entrances. The city book street and nearby tourist routes were lively with people taking advantage of the four-day holiday to stroll, take photographs and make purchases.
Retailers reported significant markdowns across fashion, cosmetics and household goods. Many brands offered reductions of 30–50%, while clearance lines for older collections reached 60–70% in some outlets. Prominent international chains such as ZARA, H&M and Uniqlo joined local stores in running major sales, prompting shoppers from neighbouring provinces to travel to the city.
Visitors described a mixed leisure and shopping agenda. Some families said they chose air-conditioned malls for convenience, where children could enjoy play areas while adults shopped and dined. Others used the day to photograph traditional outfits and prepare for the upcoming lunar festivities, taking advantage of easier bookings and lower crowds than at the later peak.
Local brands have been particularly visible this season. Designers and small-batch producers showcased Tet collections that include contemporary takes on traditional dress and locally inspired souvenirs. These items proved popular with foreign visitors, with one tourist from Singapore saying she preferred Vietnamese labels for their quality and value compared with global chains.
Retailers also experimented with exclusive one-day sales and complementary gifts to enhance the shopping experience. Several independent stores timed product launches and promotions for the New Year, aiming to convert the initial surge in interest into sustained sales as the lunar New Year approaches.
Market observers noted that while 1 January is not the year’s highest sales day, it plays an important role in warming the market. By attracting early footfall and encouraging purchases of seasonal items and gifts, the Gregorian New Year helps build momentum for the more intense Tet trading period.
Shop managers and mall operators said they expected continued strong traffic in the lead-up to Tet, driven by a combination of deep discounts, new collections and the return of regional tourism. If current patterns hold, the early boost from the New Year will contribute positively to wider retail receipts for the city and surrounding provinces.
For shoppers, the message was practical: considerable savings are available now, and local brands offer unique items that appeal to both domestic buyers and international visitors. For retailers, the challenge will be to sustain interest and convert holiday curiosity into repeat customers through product quality and service.
Key Takeaways:
- Ho Chi Minh City shopping surge boosts early 2026 retail sales as tourists and provincial visitors flock to malls and markets.
- Major international brands and local labels run discounts of 30–70%, with local brands drawing particular interest from foreign visitors.
- Public spaces and malls reported heavy footfall on 1 January, suggesting the Gregorian New Year is heating up the lead-in to Tet.
