Discount to attract customers
Ms. Tran Thi Xuan Thao - a small trader at Tan Dinh market - said that purchasing power this year is slower than in previous years. If previously customers came to shop at about 6 am opening, now it is about 8-9 am when someone opens. Faced with that reality, most stalls in the market proactively reduce prices by about 5% to stimulate consumer demand.
On the occasion of Tan Dinh market celebrating its 100th anniversary, we are implementing a 7-day promotion program. Although the discount is not large, customers are very happy because they see this as a meaningful activity marking the turning of a century of the market" - Ms. Thao shared.
According to small traders, the greatest value that Tan Dinh market has preserved for many years is not only in the diversity of goods but also in the sincere way of trading. Stalls all sell at the right prices, without bargaining, serving warmly and treating customers like acquaintances. That is what has created the uniqueness of this long-standing market.
Not only local people, many overseas Vietnamese and foreign tourists also come to Tan Dinh market to shop. According to records, many tourists appreciate the ability to bargain comfortably, while sellers are always cheerful, friendly, not loud or showing displeasure.
Ms. Pham Huyen Tran - a small trader at Tan Dinh market - said that although the preferential price is only reduced by a small part, the program has created interest, especially from tourists and foreign tourists. The goal is not only promotions but also to let more people know and visit a traditional market with a long history.
Innovation to adapt to consumer trends
Not only Tan Dinh market, many other traditional markets such as Ben Thanh market, Nguyen Tri Phuong market, Pham Van Hai market... are also gradually changing business methods to adapt to new shopping trends and improve competitiveness.
In addition to direct sales, many small traders have started practicing livestreaming on social networking platforms to introduce products, reach customers and increase revenue, especially at times when the number of customers coming to the market is sparse.
Ms. Dam Van - Deputy Head of Dien Hong Ward Market Management Board - said that the market has organized training sessions to guide small traders to apply information technology and exploit social networking platforms to expand customer access.
According to Ms. Van, the Management Board is also implementing many promotional programs associated with digital transformation, creating conditions for small traders to participate, thereby gradually improving business efficiency and the attractiveness of traditional markets.
According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade, in the coming time, the city will continue to develop a multi-channel distribution system. In which, traditional markets still play an important role in the circulation of essential goods, especially fresh food - a group of goods with a competitive advantage compared to modern retail types.
Faced with changes in consumer behavior and the development of technology, Ho Chi Minh City is implementing the Project "March model adapting to epidemics and digital transformation", towards the period 2030 - 2035. At the same time, the city encourages small traders to promote digital transformation, expand cashless payments, build a civilized business environment and improve the shopping experience for consumers.
The combination of promotional programs, improving service quality and digital transformation is expected to help traditional markets increase their attractiveness, gradually restore customer volume and continue to play an important distribution channel in Ho Chi Minh City's retail system.
