The retail sales of goods were reported at VND346.2 trillion, an increase of 6.3% compared the previous month and up 10.7% year-on-year.
During the five-month period, retail sales of food and foodstuff went up by 13.3%, household appliances and equipment rose by 12.8%, apparel increased by 11.4%, transportation soared by 11.2%, and cultural and education products advanced by 10.6%.
Several localities saw significant increases in retail sales in the January period, including Nghe An (up 18.7%), Hai Phong (up 14.3%), and Hanoi (up 14.7%).
Meanwhile, sales of accommodation and restaurant services reached VND50.6 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 6.8%, and sales of travel and tourism services were posted at VND4.2 trillion, a year-on-year increase of 7.4%.
The GSO said that the increase in retail sales of goods and services in the first month of this year were attributed to an abundance of goods supply in addition to the traditional Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, associated with increasing demand for entertainment and catering activities.
