670 businesses sign up for city shopping campaign

More than 670 businesses in Ho Chi Minh City have signed up for the “Promotion Month 2011,” the annual promotion campaign held in September, the Department of Industry and Trade announced yesterday.

Le Van Khoa, deputy head of the department, said the number of participants was 10.4 percent higher than last year, adding they would offer discounts of up to 49 percent besides freebies.

The campaign, begun in 2005, hopes to stimulate consumption and boost sales at a time when the economy was down.

A “Promotion Month Fair,” to be held at the Phu Tho Stadium in District 11 from August 31 to September 4 with more than 350 booths selling garments, food, electronics, and leather footwear, will kick off the month.

The department said last year the campaign helped businesses increase sales by up to 100 percent.