14TH NATIONAL CONGRESS OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM
Log in
Business

Vietnam traditional grocery stores remain downbeat over future: Nielsen Vietnam

Traditional grocery retailers also expressed their great concern about the support from consumers, consumer traffic to their stores and competition from other retailers, according to a survey from Nielsen Vietnam.

In urban region, traditional trade accounts for 83% of total sales equivalent to nearly US$10 billion dollars in the fast moving consumer goods sector, confidence level of traditional grocery stores has softened over the last two years, according to Nielsen Vietnam.
 
Retailer confidence index in the first quarter of 2018. Source: Nielsen Vietnam.
Retailer confidence index in the first quarter of 2018. Source: Nielsen Vietnam.
With more than 1.4 million stores in Vietnam, traditional trade is the largest channel both number of stores and by sales contribution to fast moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry, stated Nielsen Vietnam's latest survey Retailer Sentiment. 

Nevertheless, the confidence level of traditional grocery stores in the retail industry and their own state of business across Vietnam has been softened over the last two years, especially in urban region.

According to the report, Vietnam's Retail Confidence Index (RCI) slightly decreased to 68 points, compared to 69 points in the first quarter of 2017. Traditional grocery retailers also expressed their great concern about the support from consumers, consumer traffic to their stores and competition from other retailers.

​The average RCI is 100, if the index is over 100, retailers are optimistic. If it is less than 100, retailers are pessimistic about their state of business. With well below 100 RCI, traditional trade retailers are not so confident about market potential and would require more support to improve the offtake at stores, explained Nguyen Anh Dung, head of Nielsen's Retail Measurement Services in Vietnam.

Meanwhile, the Consumer Confidence Index kept increasing and reached an all-time high in the first quarter. 

"The optimism that consumers had towards their state of finance did not lead to increased consumption at traditional grocery stores and for FMCG. Their spending go to bigger ticket items, where we saw higher growth in tourism, automotive, cellphone, home appliances, etc.," Dung added.

There are currently some 1,765 convenience stores in Vietnam, over 10 times higher than the number of 147 stores in 2012.
Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Hanoi launches product showcase spaces linked to Spring Flower Fairs ahead of Tet

Hanoi launches product showcase spaces linked to Spring Flower Fairs ahead of Tet

The program ranks among the city’s key trade promotion activities, aiming to stimulate domestic consumption, stabilize the market.

Vietnam to tax crypto asset transfers at 0.1%

Vietnam to tax crypto asset transfers at 0.1%

This approach mirrors the current tax calculation applied to securities transactions.

Hanoi craft exhibition showcases Tet goods as shopping demand rises

Hanoi craft exhibition showcases Tet goods as shopping demand rises

Featuring 100 booths, the exhibition brings together artisans and businesses from Hanoi and neighboring provinces, presenting handicrafts, gifts, decorations and specialty foods, while promoting craft villages and stimulating consumption ahead of the 2026 New Year.

Vietnam establishes support body for International Financial Center Council

Vietnam establishes support body for International Financial Center Council

Beyond internal coordination, the support body undertakes international cooperation, information and communication activities.

Hanoi draws US$102 million in foreign direct investment during January

Hanoi draws US$102 million in foreign direct investment during January

Strong investor activity continued in the capital at the start of the year, as a mix of new projects, capital adjustments and share acquisitions helped reinforce Hanoi’s role in sustaining Vietnam’s positive foreign investment trend.

Vietnam pushes rural e-commerce expansion to narrow digital divide nationwide

Vietnam pushes rural e-commerce expansion to narrow digital divide nationwide

As Vietnam’s e-commerce market accelerates, attention is shifting toward how national policies and platform-led initiatives can help smaller localities overcome structural barriers, bringing digital trade opportunities to mountainous, border and rural communities.

Swiss and European firms back Vietnam’s push for double-digit growth, finance hub

Swiss and European firms back Vietnam’s push for double-digit growth, finance hub

Swiss and European companies voice support for Vietnam’s double-digit growth strategy, green transition and international financial center plans, highlighting long-term investment opportunities.

Vietnam business confidence at 22-month high

Vietnam business confidence at 22-month high

It was a solid start to the year for the Vietnamese manufacturing sector as firms ramped up output in response to stronger new orders