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Love in bloom: Flowers are ready as a sweet avowal of devotion on Valentine's Day. — VNS Photo Nhat Anh |
HCM CITY — With Valentine's Day just around the corner tomorrow, HCM City shop selves are bulging with roses, chocolates, teddy bears, and other romantic items meant for young couples.
Nguyen Hoang Duc, marketing director of the Nguyen Tam Textile Company, said his company had launched a twin t-shirt collection, Loi To Tinh dang Yeu (Cute Avowal of Love), under the Foci brand name at a price of VND316,000 (US$17.2) for Valentine's Day.
Jewelry seems to be another favourite among couples this year. Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Co has launched a new collection of gold and silver jewellery themed Loi To Tinh Mua Xuan (Spring avowal of love).
The price of a pendant in the shape of half a heart ranges from VND251,000 ($13.6) to 319,000 ($17.3) and ear-rings shaped like a lock and key is priced at VND292,000 ($16).
A set of ear-rings, ring, and pendant costs VND2.6 million ($141.3).
Watchmaker Casio is offering a 10-50 per cent discount on a range of items, with an additional 5 per cent for buying a pair of watches.
Camera and printer giant Canon has launched the Xung Lua Vua doi (Well-matched couple) promotion programme . People buying an Ixus 200IS camera can get a CP780 printer at less then half price.
Footwear company Biti's has a promotion for its Gosto fashion brand with discounts of up to 70 per cent on shoes, handbags clothes and other items.
French supermarket chain Big C is offering special prices of VND15,800-85,300 for a box of chocolates.
Huynh Le Hai Ha, owner of Hanah souvenir shop, said the biggest sellers this year were teddy bears. The shop is also selling many new items like heart-shaped pillows for VND400,000 ($21.7) for a pair.
Souvenir shops in HCM City said this year the products varied and came from many countries like China, Thailand, Sweden, and Belgium.
At florists' rose prices are constantly increasing and the shops said the prices would double on Valentine's Day.
Some unusual items are on sale this year – like a flower box with a candle on which the photo of the customer's partner is printed. It costs VND300,000-500,000 ($16.3-27.1).
Agrivina Ltd Co said it would sell many new varieties of flowers – like desert rose and iris – but they would cost at least VND20,000 each.
Gifts that keep giving
Besides roses and chocolates, the two traditional gifts for Valentine's Day, books are also popular this year, with publishers Tre and Kim Dong releasing many books for the occasion.
Nghe Thuat Handmade Qua Tang Tinh Yeu (Hand-made Art for Love Gifts) by Kim Dong has quickly become popular among young people, especially couples. It tells readers how to make small gifts for their loved ones.
Di Giua Mua Yeu (Midway in Love Season) has romantic stories and famous sayings about love.
Gui Nguoi Yeu Dau (Messages to the Sweetheart) and Ben Nhau Ngay Yeu (Side by Side in the Time of Love) from Tre have also become very popular among teenagers.
Since Lunar New Year's Day coincides with Valentine's Day, most restaurants, who will otherwise be closed, will remain open for couple's parties.
Le Tu, owner of Restaurant No48 in Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1, said his restaurant would serve 20 European-style dishes for couples, including stewed beef in wine, salmon in lemon sauce, and stuffed chicken with mushroom.
Nguyen Ngoc Han of Windsor Plaza hotel said at TOTT bar and restaurant on the top floor, couples could enjoy both dinner cooked by an Italian chef and a panoramic view of the city by night.
Luxury restaurants like La Taverne Bach Duong and Inter Continental Asiana Sai Gon have also announced special dinners for lovers. — VNS