Sluggish trading activities
Records of Lao Dong Newspaper reporters on August 2 show that trading activities at Binh Huong market (Tran Phu ward) are quite quiet. Notably, many kiosks in this market area have closed, with notices of transfer or sublease of premises posted in front.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Phuc (56 years old, residing in Tran Phu ward), a small trader selling food at Binh Huong market, said that trading has been very difficult recently.
Business is sluggish, so many people have closed kiosks to switch to other jobs. Many people advertise for sale or rent kiosks, but no one buys or rents them," Ms. Phuc shared.
According to Ms. Phuc, although she still sticks to the profession, the monthly profit is only more than 4 million VND, and the income is insignificant. However, due to her old age and difficulty switching jobs, she still tries to maintain the business.
At Ha Tinh market (Thanh Sen ward), many small traders trading in clothes also said that the business situation is increasingly sluggish.
Ms. Tran Thi Thu Huong (44 years old, residing in Ha Huy Tap ward, Ha Tinh province), who has been trading clothes at the market for 14 years, believes that business is increasingly difficult due to competition with online sales and fashion stores on many streets.
In the conversation, Ms. Huong said that many small traders doing clothing business at the market have closed kiosks to switch to being shippers, real estate brokers or going to work abroad.
“Previously, I only rented a kiosk. Seeing that the opposite kiosk was closed, I borrowed more to expand the space, hang more clothes, helping customers easily observe and choose,” Ms. Huong said.
According to Ms. Huong, if only relying on selling clothes at the market, it is very difficult to maintain life. Her family also farms and raises livestock, so there is an additional source of income. When the farming season is off, she goes to the market to open kiosks to sell goods; if business is not favorable, there is still income from agricultural production to compensate.
Supply exceeds demand, business faces difficulties
Mr. Bui Hoai An - Head of the Binh Huong Market Management Board - said that the market was completed and put into operation in 2019.
In addition to the day market and night market areas, Binh Huong market also has 250 adjacent kiosks, designed to be 2-3 stories high to combine business and living. However, so far only more than half of the units have been sold or rented out for use.
According to Mr. An, many people after buying or renting kiosks have had to close, advertise for sale or sublet them due to ineffective business.
In general, business operations are currently facing many difficulties because the supply is greater than the demand," Mr. An assessed.
