The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has held a consultation workshop on a draft plan to develop outlet and duty-free store models in Vietnam through 2030, with a vision to 2045, as the country’s fast-growing retail market still lacks modern, market-leading formats.

The socio-economic report for the first quarter of 2026, recently released by the National Statistics Office under the Ministry of Finance, reveals highly optimistic signals for the retail market and consumer services.

Authorities are urgently rolling out measures to stabilise the market as surging input costs place unprecedented pressure on the retail market, with suppliers pushing for price hikes and supermarket systems striving to keep prices in check.

From corner convenience stores to sprawling malls, Vietnam’s retail scene is racing ahead and global investors are lining up to cash in.

Vietnam's retail revenue hit roughly US$269 billion in 2025, with total goods sales and service revenue expanding 9-10% from a year earlier, the fastest pace in five years outside pandemic-distorted periods, according to the Vietnam Domestic Market Report 2025 from the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Vietnam’s retail market is at a turning point, shifting from traditional models to modern ones, and from mass consumption to smart and sustainable consumption. Therefore, retail enterprises are advised to move toward modern, digitalised, and sustainable management and business practices.

VOV.VN - Despite ongoing economic challenges, Hanoi’s retail and consumer service sectors continue to post strong results, remaining one of Vietnam’s key growth drivers.

Ho Chi Minh City’s retail market recorded a sharp rise in purchasing power during the National Day holidays from August 30 to September 2, with supermarkets, shopping centres, and traditional markets all reporting strong consumer demand.

VOV.VN - Vietnam’s plan to open its market to US goods with a 0% import tariff not only creates opportunities for consumers to access high-quality products at better prices, but also serves as a major test for the competitiveness and adaptability of domestic enterprises under pressure from foreign imports.

Vietnam is a promising market for Thai businesses, said Thailand Trade Representative Umesh Pandey during his working visit to Vietnam.