Vietnam retail sales bounce back after virus outbreak shutdown ends

Vietnam retail sales have dropped just 4 percent over the first five months of this year, despite a four-week shut down due to the Covid-19 crisis.

According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), the retail revenue reached more than US$82.36 billion from January to May.

‘Non-essential’ stores across the country were closed from the end of March through most of April, with only supermarkets and pharmacies allowed to continue to trade. However, throughout the closure, all retailers were allowed to sell goods online.

In May, after restrictions were lifted, Vietnam retail sales surged 27 percent from April’s figures.

Sales of consumer goods accounted for 80.6 percent of retail revenue, increasing by 1.2 percent year on year.

Growth sectors included fresh-food products and home appliances while educational products and apparel sales fell by 8.2 percent and 3 percent respectively

Although restaurants and other catering businesses have resumed their operations, the F&B sales fell 26 percent year on year across the first five months of this year.