Ho Chi Minh City traditional retailers face declining sales

Traditional retailers and market vendors in Ho Chi Minh City are facing a significant decline in purchasing power. At the Luong Nhu Hoc lantern street, while crowds gather for sightseeing and photography during the Mid-Autumn Festival season, actual sales of lanterns have decreased compared to previous years. Vendors report that customers now have more diverse options, including various locations across the city and the convenience of online shopping.

This trend of declining sales is also evident in major traditional markets such as Tran Huu Trang, Ba Chieu, Tan Dinh, and Ben Thanh. Vendors specializing in non-essential goods like clothing and footwear report that many days pass without a single sale, as consumers increasingly prefer cheaper alternatives available on the internet. Some long-time traders note that sales have dropped to as little as one-tenth of their former volume. In response to the slow business, many vendors spend their time watching videos on social media platforms to pass the hours.