Retail sector works to serve more customers online amid COVID-19
Vietnam’s retail sector has actively adapted to better serve the rising number of customers now shopping online more often due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retailers offer more home delivery services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA)🔴 - Vietnam’s retail sector has actively adapted tobetter serve the rising number of customers now shopping online more often dueto the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent studies conducted by Nielsen Research Vietnam show that thepandemic has had a serious impact on customer behaviour: they are now storingessential items and avoiding crowds by shopping online more frequently. A majority of respondents to Nielsen’s survey said they would continueshopping online after the pandemic ends as they find it easy and convenient. Electronics retailer Mediamart has announced a decline in revenue of 30-40percent while shopping mall Aeon Vietnam has recorded a fall of 20-35percent in customer numbers, with those who still shop mostly buying processed food,dried products, face masks, or hand sanitiser. In response to the move, supermarket chain Vinmart updated its software inearly March to cater to larger numbers of online shoppers. The retail network has ensured that some 100 of the most essential itemsare available on three sales platforms: via app, websites, and hotlines. Free shippingis widely offered for purchases of at least 500,000 VND (22 USD), to encouragecustomers to shop. Meanwhile, the Big C supermarket chain has committed to supply essentialgoods at stable prices. It also receives orders via a hotline and offers free shipping within 10km for purchases of at least 200,000 VND (8 USD) worth of dried, fresh, frozen,and dairy products. Likewise, Co.opmart now receives orders via mobile phones, Zalo, Viber,or text message. Fresh food, essential items, and cosmetics are all home-delivered. A representative from the Vietnam Association of Retailers (VAR) saidthe retail sector needs to launch more sale channels, with a focus onessential items, while offering home delivery. Retailers should also re-evaluate their staff to enhance theirperformance while consolidating cooperation with producers to ensure the quality,price, and supply of goods./.
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Retailers offer more home delivery services amid the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: VNA) 
