Traditional markets in HCM City work hard to survive

Recently more than 100 of them at Nguyen Tri Phuong Market in District 10, including those selling fresh foods, cosmetics, footwear, and clothes, participated in the first phase (ending July 15) of the city’s 2023 "Shopping Season" promotion program by offering discounts of 5-20 percent, even 50 percent, on many products and saw sales skyrocket.

"The number of visitors to the market increased by 30 percent compared to before the program and by 70-80 percent compared to just after COVID-19,” Đàm Vân, deputy head of the market’s management, said.

“Vegetable, meat, and fish stalls offering promotions were always sold out, and traders were very happy."

Tran Thi Anh Thu, a trader, said after COVID demand was very weak, especially for non-essential goods, as people tightened their purse strings amid a difficult economic situation.

The promotions saw the number of customers at her shop go up by 50 percent from normal times, she said.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, the owner of a stall selling dried seafood, said: “Thanks to the program, I have got more new customers. Crowds have brought a lot of vitality to the market.”

Van said the market management and traders organize promotions on occasions such as International Women's Day (March 8), Vietnamese Family Day (June 28), and National Day (September 2).

“Going forward, the market management plans to organize quarterly promotions and encourage small traders to participate in them to bring more customers.

“The market also plans to upgrade toilets and other facilities to become cleaner and cooler to attract more customers.”

Similarly, traders at markets like Ben Thanh (District 1), Xom Chieu (District 4), Binh Thoi (District 11), and Ba Chieu (Bình Thạnh District) have offered promotions and given gifts to attract customers. To add convenience, they accepted payments via QR codes and POS machines and sold their products via Facebook and Zalo, making home deliveries.

Trang, a vegetable seller at Da Kao Market in District 1, said: “I sell both directly at the market and online, and the prices are the same. I also cooperate with many other small traders to sell other products, which makes it convenient for customers and saves delivery costs.”

Thanks to this, she regularly sells out within a day, she said.

Nguyen Thanh Chau, head of the Thai Binh Market management board, said most shops have wifi and connect online with customers and deliver goods to their homes.

“Goods prices are listed clearly, which is also an important factor in retaining customers."

Reform to survive

According to experts, traditional markets are not only a place to buy and sell fresh goods but also an inherent part of local culture.

But nowadays, most customers at these markets are older people, and young people rarely buy there for fear of being overcharged and their less modern appearance, they said.

The rise in online shopping has also hit traditional markets, they said.

The management of many traditional markets in the city said traders are struggling with poor sales and many have opted to close down.

This requires merchants to embrace new consumer trends to survive, the experts said, while traditional markets need to upgrade themselves to offer more comfort and convenience to shoppers.

Economist Dr Huynh Thanh Dien said traditional markets with historical and cultural significance such as Ben Thanh and Binh Tay need to be preserved to serve as tourist icons.

But others need to be converted into mini supermarkets with their merchants trained to sell goods online, he said.

Nguyen Nguyen Phuong, deputy director of the city Department of Industry and Trade, said there are 232 traditional markets, all established long ago along with residential quarters.

But most have deteriorated and lack public facilities, wastewater treatment systems, sufficient storage space, and standard business areas, he said.

The department has recommended that the city People's Council consider supportive mechanisms and funding to renovate and upgrade them, he said.

Chau of Thai Binh Market said: “Sales at the market remain sluggish, and so the management has called on authorities to support small traders with fee and tax breaks.

"It is trying to improve the market’s looks and rearrange stalls to make them more eye-catching,”.

Source: VNS