Emart plans 20 more hypermarkets in Vietnam

Emart Vietnam is planning to open two more supermarkets in Ho Chi Minh City – one in Sala Thu Thiem and another in Go Vap District – part of a plan to launch 20 hypermarkets by 2026.

Emart Vietnam was acquired by Thiso International Commerce and Services Corporation (Thiso), a subsidiary of Thaco Group, last year after the South Korean-born chain experienced difficulties with its expansion ambitions in Vietnam.

The plans were revealed at an Emart Partners Day earlier this month. Chun Byung Ki, general director of Thiso Retail, reports that by 2026, the chain wants to have 20 locations nationwide and generate US$1 billion in sales, becoming the hypermarket chain with the largest market share in the country.

The Emart Sala Thu Thiem, which will occupy more than 6000 sqm, will be located in Thu Duc city’s Thiso Mall, while Thiso Retail Hypermarket, Trading and Service Center will house the new Emart Go Vap, which the company describes as the largest supermarket in HCM City.

Chun said Thaco’s real estate fund and multi-industry ecosystem will enable Emart to expand into other provinces, including Hanoi. An automated pick-up system will debut in Vietnam for the first time, allowing customers to pick up orders efficiently, and a one-hour delivery promise will be guaranteed to customers within a 5km radius.

Emart is one of the largest retailers in South Korea with locations across the globe. It was founded in 1993 by Shinsegae as the first low-cost retailer in the country. The company opened its first store in 2015 at Phan Van Tri in Go Vap District.