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Retail and vendor sales decline in Ho Chi Minh City

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2026-09-16 00:46 UTC → 2026-09-17 23:28 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.

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