Coronavirus changes Vietnamese shopping habits

Supermarkets all report that the number of clients buying goods online and via phones has increased sharply by 4-5 times amid the coronavirus (Covid-19) crisis.

The Covid-19 epidemic has upset the life of many people and families. They are restricting going out and gathering in public places to avoid the virus infection.

This has led to changes in consumption habits: buying goods to store for many days, and goods online instead of going to physical shops.

Shopping online, making payment with mobile phones

HCM City, a commercial hub, is always noisy with heavy traffic, crowded restaurants and cafes, but not in recent weeks.

Shopping centers and entertainment areas, markets and parks have become far less busy these days. People at supermarkets hurry to pick up some essential items, make payments and leave.

Thu Hong, a housewife in district 6, HCM City, said she went to supermarket only once in the last two weeks and went to traditional market three times, though she lives near Co-opmart Hau Giang and traditional markets.

“Before the epidemic broke out, I went to supermarket once every two days and went to traditional market every day,” she said.

“Since my grandchildren are off from school these days, I have to stay at home to look after them. I try to avoid communication with others to protect myself."

Hong bought VND2 million worth of food late last week when going to supermarket. Other essential items such as washing liquid and toilet paper were ordered online by her daughter-in-law.

Ngoc Linh from Tien Giang province who lives in a rented room in district 4, HCM City, said she bought some kitchenware items from a website.

“Previously, I had lunch at a factory and had dinner at street rice shops. But I decided to prepare dishes myself in the epidemic period,” said Linh, explaining why she bought kitchenware.

Linh also said she has canceled all meeting plans. “We communicate through chatting groups these days,” she said.

A representative of Saigon Co-op said the number of clients shopping online and via phones has increased by 4-5 times. Essential goods such as protective masks, washing gel, instant noodles, fresh milk and toothpaste are the products most wanted.

The retailer has arranged more workers to take orders and deliver goods to satisfy the increasingly high demand. Products will be delivered within 1-2 hours for orders via phones and 24-48 hours for orders on websites.

Other supermarkets have reported the same thing. The demand has surged sharply these days and short supply once occurred at some supermarkets.

Retailers have prepared big amounts of goods for February and March, 2-3 times bigger than normal, while cutting the prices by 20 percent to stimulate the demand.

By Mai Lan / vietnamnet