Retail sector in Da Nang is regaining momentum after Da Nang government has lifted its stringent coronavirus lockdown and the city has returned to a "new normality".

Picture taken at the BigC Mall Da Nang

Retail sales volumes in such major traditional markets as Han, Dong Da, Moi and Hoa Cuong increased by nearly 80% when compared with late July and August.

Mr Diep Hoang Thong Anh, the Head of the Management Board of the Hoa Cuong Wholesale Market, said, between 100 and 120 tonnes of vegetables, and 130-160 tonnes of fruits on average  are supplied daily to the market, mostly sourced from Lam Dong and Hai Duong provinces, plus some southern localities of Viet Nam.

“However, purchasing power in the Hoa Cuong Wholesale Market still remains weak. The main reason is thought to be that many hotels, restaurants and tourist sites in Da Nang remain closed due to the low visitor numbers” Mr Anh noted.

Likewise, supermarkets and convenience stores have seen a dramatic increase in purchasing power of local inhabitants.

Some retailers like Co.opmart, BigC Mall and LotteMart have offered online shopping and delivery services in response to the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak in a bid to satisfy the growing demand of consumers and boost consumer spending in Da Nang.

The city-based Dong Da Market has seen a significant increase in the purchasing power of local inhabitants over recent days

Co.op Mart Da Nang Director Phan Thong said that Co.op Mart Da Nang’s sales have been significantly flourishing over the past month.

Mr Thong remarked that catching an overarching trend of consumers trying to spending less and saving more, Co.op Mart Da Nang has offered great deals on its products to stimulate demand and increase the spending power of consumers.

According to the city’s economic experts, retail sector in Da Nang has enjoyed a much faster bounce back than other economic sectors hit by the coronavirus lockdown, thereby becoming an important driving force for the city’s post-Covid-19 economic recovery.

Recent statistics released by the Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade show that retail sales in Da Nang were worth an estimated 4,633 billion VND in September, a rise of 31.69% when compared with August. Between January and September, the city’s retail sector sales were estimated at 39,994 billion VND, down by 6.05% compared with same period last year.

By KHANH HOA - Translated by M.D