Business is booming
Recalling the year 2023, when many companies and businesses laid off workers and reduced working hours, Ms. Le Thi Tu - a small trader near Tra Noc Industrial Park, Can Tho City - said that it was a time when both workers and traders like her faced difficulties.
“Last year, prices were rising but incomes were falling, so workers were saving on spending. People were coming and going, but no one stopped to buy anything. At that time, the money I earned from selling all day was only enough to go to the market in the morning,” Ms. Tu confided.
The business mainly relies on workers, so from the beginning of 2024 until now, when workers' incomes have improved thanks to orders from businesses, purchasing power at Ms. Tu's stall has also increased by about 40%. "Workers have stable jobs so they can spend more comfortably. There are days when I open the stall until 8-9 pm to sell to many workers who work overtime to come and shop."
Once intending to return her stall due to sluggish sales, now, the business of Ms. Nguyen Thi Be Hai - a small trader near Tra Noc Industrial Park, Can Tho City - has improved thanks to increased income for workers.
“In 2023, the economy was difficult, business was sluggish while the rent for the kiosk was too high, I once thought about giving up the place to work for hire. But because of my old age and limited health, I had to sell and save money to survive. This year, workers have jobs, income increased, the shopping atmosphere at my stall is also bustling again, purchasing power increased by about 4-5 times,” said Ms. Hai.
Hope workers have jobs
In the past, business was slow and vegetables and tubers could not be preserved for long, so Ms. Tu limited her imports. Now, there are many buyers, so this small trader imports new vegetables and tubers every day to meet the needs of workers. According to Ms. Tu, although it is hard work, she has more than enough income to support her family.
“There are many workers, selling well, although tiring but happy. Business near the industrial park mainly depends on workers, so when people have jobs, we are also happy. I hope that the workers' jobs will always be stable so that they can have income and continue to support us. Because if there are buyers, our business can be maintained,” Ms. Tu confided.
Having been doing business near Tra Noc Industrial Park for more than 10 years, Ms. Hai said that most of her customers are workers, many of whom she considers her relatives. Therefore, when workers have jobs and income, small traders like her are also happy.
“Many of my regular customers are workers. When they come to shop, we ask each other questions and talk to each other like family. This year, the economy is stable, businesses are increasing recruitment, and many workers who had previously quit are returning to work and supporting the stall. I am happy for myself and for them. I hope this situation will continue so that my income and that of my fellow workers will be stable, enough to cover family expenses,” Ms. Hai shared.
