Vietnam retail sales down since January

Vietnam retail sales fell 9.6 percent year on year over the first four months of this year, according to the General Statistics Office.

However, sales of consumer goods across the country increased by 0.4 percent, reflecting increasing demand for groceries and online shopping during the Covid-19 outbreak.

Sales in the restaurant and accommodation sector plunged 23.6 percent year on year as consumers were banned from eating on-premises and due to travel restrictions.

Meanwhile, retail sales in Ho Chi Minh City, the country’s commercial capital with a population of 9 million, surged in both supermarkets and traditional markets ahead of the country’s four-day holiday which began on April 30, as myriad promotions were offered.

According to the Vietnam News Agency, discount promotions at Co.opmart and Co.opXtra supermarkets during the holiday saw sales rise by more than 30 percent compared to normal days.

The most popular items include local seafood, poultry, fruit and vegetables, soft drinks, masks and kitchenware.