VOV.VN - Supermarkets, retailers, and business outlets in Ho Chi Minh City have increased their volume of goods as part of efforts to help bring a sufficient supply of essential goods for local people as the southern city extends social distancing measures until June 30.

Localities in the Mekong Delta have coordinated with relevant agencies and businesses to ensure the COVID-19 outbreak does not disrupt the supply of essential goods or causes price hikes, and plan to carry out food safety inspections to ensure people can shop safely.

Vietnamese consumers are more and more interested in locally-made products and place greater trust in local retail brands, market researcher Nielsen has said.

Modern distribution channels in Vietnam will be diversified by small stores in 2021, especially minimarts, market researchers Nielsen have said.

The local retail market is forecast to grow at a double-digit rate in 2021, so domestic retailers have rushed to open new stores across the country to expand their market share since the beginning of the year.

Retailers in HCM City are focusing on stimulating demand for the Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday in February and ensuring that supply is adequate and food safety standards are met.

With people afraid to visit public places like supermarkets because of COVID-19, e-commerce floors have become a convenient and safe shopping place for Tet items.

The race for domestic retail market share was heating up as local and foreign firms looked to expand their networks, experts said.

Retailers in Ho Chi Minh City have quickly adapted to the situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic by resorting to e-commerce and delivery services.