Saigon Co.op to launch retail startup TV reality show

Vietnam grocery retailer Saigon Co.op has launched a TV reality show on retail startups.

The show called “One Billion Start up With Saigon Co.op’’ aims to find and train the next generation of successful entrepreneurs. It will kick off on October 15 and run until December 31 this year.

Broadcasted weekly on HTV9, the show expects to attract around 5000 candidates with three finalists standing a chance to receive the Grand Prize of VND1 billion (US$44,000), and become the owner of a Co.op Smile modern grocery store.

A typical Co.op Smile store has flexible operational space suitable with urban and suburban residence and stocks 750 – 1300 products across various categories.

Saigon Co.op aims to work with the Ho Chi Minh City government to drive entrepreneurship and make the city the birthplace for start-ups.

Qualified challengers will compete against one another in a “common house” on specific knowledge, creativity and situation management, which are crucial factors for a successful start-up.

“With the growing start-up trend, we are looking to encourage the younger generation to participate in the challenge to gain more knowledge towards having a successful business,” said a Saigon Co.op representative.

During the competition, Saigon Co.op will provide competitors with useful advice, including retail business models, mobile sales tips, store design and advertising and marketing concepts to drive customers into stores.