A steady stream of people from various villages and hamlets continues to pour into markets and supermarkets to finalize their purchases of food, clothing, sweets, and fruits, ensuring a warm and fulfilling 2026 Bính Ngọ Lunar New Year (Tết) celebration.

At the Pom Lót Central Market in Sam Mứn commune, the trading atmosphere has been vibrant since the early morning hours. The market aisles are crowded with people moving between stalls selling fresh produce, meat, fish, and dried goods. Buyers are carefully selecting items and comparing prices while sellers proactively invite and advise customers on their purchases.

Lò Văn Thêm, a resident from Pá Nậm village in Sam Mứn commune, shared that due to a busy work schedule, he could only manage to go shopping on this final day. Despite the crowds and the rapid sale of many items, he is focused on picking up essential supplies to ensure his family is well-prepared for the holiday.

In various markets, the demand for fresh food remains exceptionally high. Sellers of green vegetables, pork, chicken, fish, and eggs are constantly replenishing their stock to meet the needs of the surging crowds. Similarly, stalls for clothing, household appliances, and Tết decorations are attracting numerous shoppers, creating a colorful and festive environment.

Trần Thị Hoa, a fashion store owner at Center Market 1 in Điện Biên Phủ ward, noted that customer traffic has increased significantly since the middle of the twelfth lunar month. She has had to mobilize family members to assist with sales from morning until late at night to keep up with the demand.

According to local traders, purchasing power this year has seen a significant increase compared to normal days. While some prices have fluctuated slightly due to transport costs, the market remains largely stable. Traders have proactively contacted suppliers early to avoid shortages or sudden price hikes during these peak days. Alongside ensuring supply, food safety has become a top priority for businesses. At Nam Thanh Market in Mường Thanh ward, food items are neatly organized, and sellers are seen using gloves for processing and packaging to guarantee safety for their customers.

Nguyễn Thị Phương, a trader specializing in fresh food at Nam Thanh Market, explained that she has increased her daily stock from the usual 50kg to nearly 100kg to serve the Tết crowd. She emphasized that all her products have clear origins and are sold within the day to maintain a reputation for quality. This individual responsibility is being matched by state efforts, as functional agencies have intensified inspections and monitoring of essential goods to protect consumer health and rights.

Market management forces are working closely with the police to stay informed on supply-demand trends and price movements. Inspections are being conducted across traditional markets, supermarkets, and warehouses, particularly in border and key transit areas where smuggling and trade fraud often hide. For instance, on February 10, a task force in Quài Tở commune seized nearly one ton of food of unknown origin, including pork, duck, and chicken feet, that was being transported into the province for consumption.

Earlier, on January 14, authorities intercepted a passenger bus on National Highway 279 and discovered over 384kg of raw food without proper documentation. Following established regulations, these violated goods were destroyed at the Tuần Giáo waste treatment plant.

Nguyễn Minh Cường, Director of the provincial Market Management Department, stated that the high demand during Tết often carries risks of hoarding and the sale of counterfeit or low-quality goods. Therefore, constant coordination between forces is essential to handle violations strictly and contribute to a safe and healthy Tết for the people.

The combination of proactive shopping by citizens, the responsibility of traders, and the decisive actions of functional agencies has created a stable and safe environment for the 2026 Tết holiday.