People and businesses respond
Since Metro Line 1 was put into operation, Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien has recorded a strong growth in the number of visitors. Many customers highly appreciate the convenience of traffic connection, attractive check-in space and safe parking space.
Ms. Dao Thao Vy (residing in Thu Duc ward) shared: I took the Metro with my family to Ben Thanh and conveniently stopped by the shopping area under the station, which is both cool and has many promotions, so I really like it. My children are also excited because there are more places to check-in and take beautiful photos.
Mr. Pham Vinh Quang (Tan Dinh ward) also said: "Going to the Metro and then stopping by Vincom Thao Dien to shop and drink coffee is very convenient. If there are more shopping spots for Metro customers, it will certainly attract more people, both saving costs and reducing traffic jams when traveling in the city".
From a business perspective, Mr. Le Viet Cuong - Southern Regional Manager, Vincom Retail Joint Stock Company - said: "In the near future, Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien will implement win-win cooperation programs with Metro, both bringing benefits to the Metro system and increasing value to customers. We will have a special incentive package for Metro passengers, and proactively bring products and promotional programs to stations to reach customers.
The company is also coordinating with the government to build special incentive policies for Metro customers at Vincom as well as other shopping malls. Many more convenient payment and service programs will be implemented to enhance the shopping experience.
Orientation for commercial development associated with Metro
According to Mr. Nguyen Nguyen Phuong - Deputy Director of the Department of Industry and Trade of Ho Chi Minh City, organizing a promotion at Metro Line 1 is a pilot step to both increase purchasing power and promote public transport.
In the context of many difficulties in commercial infrastructure, combining shopping at central stations has proven convenient, effective and in line with the practices of many countries around the world. We expect this activity to be expanded to many other major stations, while developing a walking route under the station, making the most of the commercial space associated with public transport infrastructure" - Mr. Phuong emphasized.
Taking advantage of Metro infrastructure for commercial development is a step in line with global trends. From the perspective of urban management, the city's leaders highly appreciate this model because it not only creates more shopping and entertainment space for people but also contributes to forming the habit of using public transport in daily life.
According to Mr. Nguyen Van Dung - Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the city has put Metro Line 1 into commercial operation and quickly attracted a large number of domestic and international tourists to experience. Along with the formation of the Metro line, the city also completed the planning and development of commercial clusters connected to the public transport system, both meeting travel needs and taking advantage of advantages to develop commercial and entertainment centers, typically Suoi Tien tourist area.
In 2025, in the context of many difficulties in the domestic and world economies due to the impact of the development process as well as the global geopolitical situation, Ho Chi Minh City will still strive to implement the growth targets assigned by the Central Government. One of the three pillars of development that the city focuses on is stimulating consumption.
From now until the end of the year, Ho Chi Minh City will continue to implement large-scale promotional programs. The highlight is the promotional activities held at the Metro station basement and commercial centers directly connected to Metro Line 1, along with many other commercial centers in the area as well as expanding to Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong - localities in the expanded urban area of the city. This is considered an important direction to promote the role of consumption in promoting economic growth in Ho Chi Minh City.
