Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Christmas they say, is a time for giving. But for manybusinesses around the country, it is prime time to receive as well.

Vietnam maynot be considered a Christian country. With a population topping 96 million,only seven million people are estimated to practice Christianity.

But thathasn’t stopped shops, bars, restaurants and other consumer businesses jumpingon the Christmas bandwagon.

Nguyen VietTung isn’t a Christian, but the festive season holds a special place in hisheart, as it was when he met his girlfriend.

To marktheir anniversary, the couple will head to the Old Quarter.

“It will bea wonderful moment again,” Tung told Vietnam News. “I expressedmy feelings to my girlfriend last Christmas in the 1900 Le Théâtre bar and wewill celebrate our one-year dating this season.”

Dat, whoowns the bar, said although a large majority of his customers hail fromcountries in the west, where Christmas is celebrated, more and more localcustomers are getting in on the tradition.

“We have alarge community of foreigners here,” Dat said.

“The seasonis special for them and they also make it more special for many locals who comehere to enjoy music, beer and to witness how foreigners cherish Christmas.

“As aresult, we will receive more local customers to our place.”

And it seemsit’s paying off as Dat revealed revenue doubles this time of year compared toother nights.

Other barsin the area, particular local bars, or bia hoi, also expect morecustomers.

In the southof Vietnam, the spirit of Christmas also brings the same businesses opportunitiesfor shops and supermarkets in HCM City.

Modelreindeers, jolly looking Santas and Christmas trees become a common sight inshopping malls that also play festive music in an attempt to get the customersinto the spirit of Christmas.

Hoang TuyetLoan, 39, a resident in Go Vap District, HCM City, said: “I don’t need to buyanything for Christmas but I take my kids to the supermarket so that they canenjoy the atmosphere of Christmas here while I shop for the coming Tet (LunarNew Year) holiday.”

Loan saidthe biggest festival of Vietnamese people is coming in a month so she takes theopportunities for shopping on-sale confectionery products in BigC Go VapSupermarket – taking advantage of the Christmas offers.

She said: “Iwill buy candies to bring back to my hometown in Bac Giang as Tet giftsfor my relatives. It is good that the type I want is discounted by 30 percent at the moment.”

BigCsupermarket has slashed many prices by almost half on items like decorationsand fruits.

Saigon Co.opand its subsidiary Saigon Co.op Grocery Co Ltd launched promotional activitiesand a programme called "Giving old clothes - sharing joy" – a charityprogramme to bring small gifts to less fortunate people.

Nguyen LinhTrang, director of Saigon Co.op Grocery, said: “Along with the promotions, wekeep all goods at a reasonable price during holidays as a way to attractcustomers.”

Takashimayamall in District 1 is doing the same thing, launching promotions and discountsof up to 49 per cent for a lot of brands while other malls also offer differentsales for the season.

Dinh Thi MyLoan, Chairwoman of the Vietnamese Retailers’ Association, said the purchasingpower during the season often increases by an average of 20 per cent comparedto ordinary days.

Loan told VietnamNews: “Supermarkets can win if they launch suitable promotions atthis time of the year. Most consumers love to buy the things they need and getsome promotions at the same time.”/.