An FPT Shop laptop centre in Hà Nội. — VNS File Photo

HÀ NỘI — Due to the scarcity of goods and components, the price of laptops, computers and accessories has increased in local retail stores, and the trend looks set to continue.

A representative of Thế Giới Di Động (Mobile World) told VnEconomy online newspaper said that due to the scarcity of chips, it had slightly increased the price of some new models and might increase the price of other models in the near future.

A retailer said that normally, for many laptop and computer models, the price would gradually drop after three to six months after launching. But from the beginning of this year, the price of laptops and computers had increased.

In the short term, demand was very large in the low-price segment under VNĐ16 million (US$696). Meanwhile, those in the segment above VNĐ16 million were still enjoying promotions, he added.

Nguyễn Thế Kha, Senior Director Mobility Groups of FPT Shop, said increased prices and the shortage of components did not affect the shop much as FPT Shop had taken careful preparations for changes amid the pandemic.

Key products have been forecasted and stocked, ensuring there were always enough supplies for 30-45 days while waiting for new shipments to arrive, said Kha.

Nguyễn Ngọc Đạt, CEO of the retail chain Di động Việt (Việt Mobile), shared that in the context of insufficient supply and demand, product price increases were inevitable. However, he forecast that the scarcity could be quickly overcome.

If purchasing power increases, product prices from now to the last quarter of the year might increase slightly, ranging from 1-3 per cent, an insignificant increase.

Most retail systems in Việt Nam forecast that the laptop, computer and accessories segment would be able to meet market demand by the fourth quarter of this year.

Market research firm TrendForce reported that global laptop sales exceeded 200 million units for the first time last year.

This is a new record high for the global laptop market. It is forecasted that global laptop shipments will have a chance to reach 217 million this year. Thus, personal computer (PC) growth will be 8.1 per cent compared to last year.

Meanwhile, Gartner estimated the number of PCs (including desktops and laptops) sold rose by 32 per cent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year.

With the potential for demand and the growth of the laptop and computer market, many retailers are racing to expand their business chains and take advantage of new opportunities despite the COVID-19 pandemic.

For example, Việt Mobile recently opened a new store in Biên Hòa City, Đồng Nai Province. To date, this retail system has up to 18 stores in HCM City and 11 stores associated with the 'shop in a shop model' with network operator MobiFone.

In the first quarter of this year, FPT Shop also opened 70 laptop retail centres nationwide. — VNS