Hanoi's consumption promotion programs scheduled for May, July, and November next year, with discounts and promotions of up to 100%, are expected to involve 1,000-2,000 businesses from all sectors, according to a plan to launch consumption promotion programs in 2025 recently released by the Hanoi People's Committee.

The Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade is responsible for leading and coordinating the implementation of the plan and approving the enterprises that qualify for the promotion programs.

Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Acting Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, said the programs are designed to give locals more shopping options while giving businesses a chance to boost sales and reduce inventory.

Consumers buy discounted organic vegetables at WinMart. Photo: VGP

"The programs would help stimulate domestic demand, increase retail sales of goods and services, promote production and business activities, and thus contribute to the city's socio-economic development," Lan added.

The programs will take place all over the capital, in about 800-1,000 venues. Various events have been planned as part of the program, including Hanoi Shopping Festival, Hanoi Midnight Sales, and Hanoi Mega Sales.

The highlight of the program would be in November with the Hanoi Midnight Sales 2025 and Black Friday 2025, involving 200 shops, commercial centers, supermarkets, and business facilities.

The Hanoi Market Surveillance Department is asked to make a plan to inspect and monitor the activities of the programs; combat smuggling, counterfeit and substandard goods; strictly deal with violations; and protect consumer rights.

The department is also responsible for the oversight of commercial activities throughout the celebration of the program until its conclusion.

According to a report by the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade, total retail sales of goods and services in the first nine months of 2024 increased by about 8% year-on-year.

"It would continue to ensure the supply of essential goods, especially during peak holidays and Tet, to avoid supply shortages and price hikes," the report said.

The agency recommended that all sectors continue to conduct market stabilization programs and consumer stimulus programs, especially at the end of the year, with an emphasis on critical products in areas affected by floods and storms.

"We will organize a promotional event in the last few months of 2024 with about 69 key companies, ten more than in 2023," Lan said.

She stressed that in anticipation of increased shopping in the last months of 2024, as well as before and during the Lunar New Year 2025, the department has coordinated with suppliers to double or even triple the volume of goods in stock compared to other months of the year. "We would also carry out the control of high-quality goods, food safety and hygiene, transparent origin, and stabilize sales prices."