On the other hand, the pharmaceutical, electronics, and IT segments have undergone notable structural shifts. By the end of 2024, the number of drugstores increased by 20% year-over-year, reaching 3,242 stores, largely driven by Long Châu’s aggressive expansion. In contrast, electronics chains have faced a downturn, with major brands like Dien May Xanh and Nguyen Kim closing 94 and 12 stores, respectively[4]. Similarly, the IT devices sector saw a 15% decline, impacted by the closure of more than 200 stores from FPT and The Gioi Di Dong

The closure of some electronics chains

Source: Financial and Monetary Market Review

Main Player in the Modern Trade Market

As Vietnam’s retail market transitions toward modern trade, a diverse range of players have emerged to shape the industry’s landscape. From established domestic retailers like Vingroup to global corporations such as Lotte, Aeon and Central Retail, these key players are driving competition, innovation, and growth in the sector.

Some Major Players in Vietnam’s Retail Market

Source: B&Company

Large-scale modern stores, such as shopping malls, tend to develop in major cities like Hanoi, HCMC and Da Nang where population density, consumer demand, and purchasing power are high. On the other hand, smaller retail formats like chain stores and convenience stores, benefiting from lower setup and operational costs, are expanding across provinces. This widespread expansion allows them to capture a larger market share and strengthen competition with other investors in the sector.

Opportunities and Challenges for Modern Trade

Modern trade in Vietnam is expected to grow significantly over the next five years, with a projected CAGR of approximately 6% from 2025 to 2030. This growth is primarily driven by several key factors: (1) In 2024, Vietnam’s average monthly wage reached nearly 315 USD[5], marking an 8% increase from 2023 and a 40% rise since 2020[6]. Additionally, the country’s middle class has expanded significantly, now accounting for 56% of Vietnamese households[7]. (2) Consumers are increasingly adopting healthier and more mindful lifestyles, leading them to be more selective in their spending. The top spending categories include essentials such as groceries, clothing, and healthcare. As a result, there is a noticeable shift from traditional trade to modern trade, as consumers seek higher product quality and clearly sourced goods[8]. (3) While modern trade has been heavily concentrated in major cities, rural and suburban markets remain largely untapped despite their high potential. These areas account for 60% of Vietnam’s population, offering vast land availability for retail expansion with relatively low competition[9].

However, several challenges continue to hinder the development of modern trade in Vietnam. Firstly, although consumers are gradually shifting towards modern trade markets, traditional markets still account for over 60% of the retail sector. Shopping habits remain deeply embedded, as traditional markets offer quick and convenient buying without the need for parking. Secondly, fierce competition between domestic and international players has intensified. The entry of global retail giants such as Aeon, Lotte, and Central Retail Group has created a highly competitive environment, putting pressure on both local and foreign businesses. Finally, regulatory hurdles pose significant challenges, particularly for foreign investors. Investment procedures in Vietnam remain complex, and time-consuming, causing delays from project planning to implementation. Additionally, overlapping and inconsistent regulations create confusion and difficulties, even for domestic investors[10]

Conclusion

Vietnam’s retail sector is undergoing a remarkable transformation, with modern trade taking center stage. Despite challenges such as intense competition and the convenience of traditional markets, the sector presents vast opportunities, particularly in rural and suburban areas. With the right strategies, businesses can thrive in Vietnam’s dynamic and rapidly evolving retail market, solidifying its position as a key player in Southeast Asia’s retail landscape.

[1] Cimigo (2024). Vietnam Consumer Trends in 2024 <Access>

[2] This report will focus on: Shopping mall, supermarket, IT devices chain, drug store and convenience store/Mini supermarket.

[3] Q&Me Vietnam (2024). Vietnam Modern Trade Trend in 2024 <Access>

[4] Thanh Nien Newspaper (2024). The Closure of Many Electronics Stores <Access>

[5] Source of Asia (2024). Vietnam Labor Market 2024 Onwards <Access>

[6] General Statistics Office of Vietnam (2024). Vietnam’s Monthly Average Income by Province <Access>

[7] Cimigo (2024). Vietnam Consumer Trends in 2024 <Access>

[8] PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) (2024). Vietnam Consumer Survey 2024 <Access>

[9] General Statistics Office of Vietnam (2024). Population and Housing Census Results 2024 <Access>

[10] Tuoi Tre Online (2024). Vietnam’s Investment Procedures and are Still Too Complicated and Time-consuming <Access>

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