# Retail and vendor sales decline in Ho Chi Minh City

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/retail-and-vendor-sales-decline-in-ho-chi-minh-city
> Updated: 2026-09-17T04:20:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 3.

Traditional retailers and lantern vendors in Ho Chi Minh City are experiencing a significant decline in purchasing power during the Mid-Autumn Festival season.

In areas such as Cho Lon Ward, vendors report that while festive crowds are present, many visitors are primarily there for photography rather than shopping. One vendor, Dang Thi Ngoc Cam, noted that buying power is approximately 40 percent of pre-pandemic levels, with sales shifting toward small, inexpensive souvenir lanterns.

This downturn extends to major traditional markets including Ben Thanh, Tan Dinh, Ba Chieu, and Tran Huu Trang. Retailers of non-essential goods, such as clothing and footwear, report extreme losses, with some traders stating sales have dropped to one-tenth of former volumes. Vendors attribute these challenges to increased competition from online shopping and the availability of cheaper alternatives on the internet.

Recent observations at Ba Chieu, An Dong, and Tan Binh markets indicate a continued decline in activity, with many stalls and kiosks remaining closed. In Ba Chieu Market, numerous stalls are covered in tarps, and some locations are being advertised for lease or transfer. The decline is particularly pronounced in clothing and fabric sections, where foot traffic has diminished significantly and long-time vendors report sharp drops in customer numbers.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-17: Ho Chi Minh City traditional markets face decline in activity

Traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City, including Ba Chieu and An Dong, are facing a decline in activity, with many stalls closed or being offered for lease due to low customer numbers.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-traditional-markets-face-decline-in-activity

### 2026-09-15: Ho Chi Minh City traditional retailers face declining sales

Traditional vendors and market stalls in Ho Chi Minh City are struggling with declining sales as consumers shift toward online shopping and more diverse retail options.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-traditional-retailers-face-declining-sales

### 2026-09-05: Ho Chi Minh City lantern vendors report slow sales despite festive crowds

Vendors in Ho Chi Minh City's lantern streets report slow sales and a 60% drop in purchasing power compared to pre-pandemic levels, as visitors increasingly visit for photography rather than shopping.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ho-chi-minh-city-lantern-vendors-report-slow-sales-despite-festive-crowds

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Cite as: Retail and vendor sales decline in Ho Chi Minh City. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/retail-and-vendor-sales-decline-in-ho-chi-minh-city