Many Vietnamese people are rushing to find and buy LCD TVs prior to the 2010 World Cup. Taking advantage of the market trend, manufacturers have been raising their prices.
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| TV's are flying off the shelves |
In anticipation of the World Cup 2010, the LCD TV market is seeing much hype with people wanting to watch the matches on large screens. At electronic supermarkets, flat screen TVs are the main products of sale and promotion programmes.
LCD TV demonstration areas now have become more eye-catching than ever before, which attracts as many customers as air-conditioners. During peak hours customers are sometimes forced to queue for being consulted by salesmen about the product.
In Nguyen Kim, Thien Hoa, Cho Lon, and Hoang Cuong electronic supermarkets, product prices are listed with a discount but in fact, the listed prices are up about 5%.
Nguyen Thanh, at Co Giang Ward, District 1 said, “A 40 inch LCD TV cost VND14 million ($737) two months ago. Its discount price was VND12.7 million ($668). But now the discount price is VND14.3 million ($753). I always thought that electronic product prices never increase.”
Electronic centers will continue providing more LCD TV products to the market in the next 2 weeks. For example, Cho Lon electronic supermarket will offer about 3,000 LCD TVs of all types, among which 32 inch products account for half.
As forecasted, LCD TV prices will continue going up with the world football event approaching.
According to businesses, LCD TV products have the lowest price possible so it’s impossible to decrease prices anymore. Manufacturers announced their plan of price increase. It’s expected to achieve a growth rate of 30-40% compared with last year in such a potential market like Vietnam.
At present, many manufacturers like Samsung and Sony have launched LCD 3D products. Customers are very curious about this next generation LCD TV product and many of them are ready to buy.
Mai Anh, working at an import-export company said, “I want to buy a 3D LCD TV from Sony. However, it won't be available on the market until July and that's a little bit late to watch the World Cup but I will wait.”