Revellers cruise around in a jeep in Yangon. Pic:Lwin Maung Maung

A WIDE range of items and special deals will be offered by supermarkets to welcome in the New Year.

Supermarkets and department stores are offering special double-discount prices and new items for this year's Thingyan promotions.

All three outlets of Ga Mone Pwint Department Store in Yangon welcome Thingyan by offering a wide range of sales. One interesting and distinct bonus is that customers can get double discounts for some items.

“From March 19 until April 12, anyone who spends K30,000 or more for items like men’s and ladies clothing, shoes and women's purses in one purchase will save 20 percent. With this coupon, the customer gets an additional 20pc discount for newly arrived items,” said Daw Myat Myat Moe, deputy manager of Ga Mone Pwint Co Ltd.

From April 1 – 12 everyone is eligible for the lucky draw program for prizes.
“This year is even more special than last year. The number of lucky draws is higher and so is the value of the prizes. The most expensive prize last year was an electric fan and iron but this year we are including a 21-inch television, refrigerators and VCD players,” said Ma Thandar Win, a staff member from Ga Mone Pwint Store.

Food, cosmetics, and other household accessories are discounted from 5pc to 50pc from March 19 to April 12, she said.

Blazon Department Store welcomes summer and the Thingyan festival by holding eyewear promotions from March 23 to April 13.

“We are discounting sunglass from brands like Gucci, Guess, Police, Ray Ban and Oakley from 5pc to 30pc,” said Ma Theingi in Blazon's public relations department. She said these items have been discounted because it is summer and they are necessary accessories for the Water Festival.

Blazon is also offering a Panasonic blender promotion from March 18 to 30 for housewives and couples.

“We are giving between 2pc and 8pc discounts depending on the price of the blender. We’ll also give customers a free Pastina plastic drinking when they buy a Panasonic blender,” she said.

For those who are crazy about cosmetics, there will be a big cosmetics promotion at Orange from April 1 to 12.

“We’re holding a Beauty Carnival promotion program at Orange and Mandalay Sky Walk shopping malls. All of the famous cosmetics brands like L’Oreal and Maybelline are included in this promotion. Those who spend over K15,000 can participate in a lucky draw for prizes like tickets to a buffet dinner and beauty spa gift vouchers,” Ma Theingi said.

Seasons Bakery in City Mart will offer a system that converts purchases into points, which can then be redeemed at the shop. The special offer will run from April 1 to 22.

“Anyone who spends K1500 at Seasons Bakery will get one Seasons Bakery point. Any customer who collects 10 points will get a free coffee cup with a Seasons logo,” said Daw Thet Wah Win, marketing manager of City Mart Holding Co Ltd.

North Point Shopping Centre will hold an entertaining hot dog eating competition for shoppers at their store for Thingyan.

But there is an age requirement for the competition.

“Only those between 13 and 30 can participate in the hot dog eating competition," she said, adding that it would be held on April 1 from 3pm to 5pm. Anyone interested in participating can get an application form by showing their Ocean receipt.