According to a survey by several experts on the computer market, since the Lunar New Year, the demand for computers and related components has continued to trend upwards. Many experts believe that this period is one of the two peak seasons for PC sales throughout the year.
While the Lunar New Year is a great opportunity for home appliance, electronics, and refrigeration stores to significantly boost their sales, it is not a particularly bright time for businesses dealing in computers.
According to GFK Asia’s assessment, in the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the demand for computer equipment suddenly dropped sharply in January 2006. This situation had been anticipated, so computer companies were not overly surprised. For many years, the months of November and December in the previous year have always been a time for government agencies to complete outstanding projects, creating a sizable customer base with significant purchasing needs.
However, as January of the new year arrives, just before the Lunar New Year, consumer demand for basic computer components sharply declines, with only a few high-end products receiving more attention.
This year, actual market conditions have shown a vibrant trend in the computer market right from the first weeks after the Lunar New Year. The primary customers during this period are students, pupils, and households. The most popular items after the holiday are complete PCs and accompanying peripheral devices such as scanners, printers, USBs, and digital television equipment. Sales growth has been quite strong.
According to survey data, compared to the peak sales period last year, computer sales this year during this time have increased by up to 20%. At some well-known stores in Hanoi, such as Trần Anh and Mai Hoàng, there is always a bustling crowd of customers. Smaller companies like STC on Phùng Hưng and Tùng Kiên on Chùa Bộc Street also report an increase of about 20-30% in customer numbers compared to the same period last year.
Most computer dealers believe that the surge in purchasing power is due to consumer confidence and the stabilization of the local economy. The challenges that directly impacted daily life last year, such as the flu pandemic and rising fuel prices, have eased. Many families are also focusing more on investing in education rather than purchasing household or consumer goods.
Another reason for the vibrant computer market is the continuous decline in the prices of various components since the Lunar New Year. For example, Intel’s processors have seen prices drop by 10-15% compared to December 2005. Dual-core chips have decreased significantly in price, by 10 to 20%. However, Pentium processors have remained relatively stable, with negligible fluctuations. The price for the Celeron 310 – 2.13 GHz is currently around $50, while the Pentium IV 630 3.0 GHz is priced at $184. Experts also note that hard drives have seen a slight price reduction of only 2-3%. Optical mice are increasingly outselling traditional mice at a ratio of 1 to 4, meaning for every four standard mice sold, one optical mouse is sold. The Mitsumi optical mouse is priced at $7, with a similar Logitec product priced at $12.
Laptops are selling very well, with stores averaging sales of 150-200 units per month. The best-selling brand is Acer, while IBM laptops are primarily sold through project contracts.
Almost all representatives from stores are optimistic, hoping that this year’s early sales season will last longer than in previous years. Many IT companies in both the northern and southern regions are very encouraged, predicting that this bustling atmosphere will continue until the end of April.
