Maintaining Hanoi’s markets

Many consumers now visit both supermarkets and traditional markets, depending on the type of produce they need

Several years ago, the news on removing traditional markets to build shopping malls in Hanoi caused a huge stir among both the press and the general public. Many stated that rejecting traditional markets meant rejecting community activities and cultures thousands of years old.

Under this pressure of urbanisation, well-known markets in the capital such as Mo, Hang Da, 19/12, and Trung Hoa were transformed into modern shopping malls and modern markets located in the underground floors of apartment blocks.

Despite being planned and ensuring hygienic standards, they have been struck with poor sales. The Hang Da shopping mall is the most highlighted case of failure. Accordingly, a majority of its kiosks had to close permanently due to poor performance.

Underground markets, despite receiving a high number of customers, still face strict competition from supermarkets and minimarts. Some customers stated that instead of going underground to purchase goods, they prefer to go to supermarkets due to the diverse range of products. In addition, pulling over to the sidewalks to buy something in minimarts is much more convenient, with food safety also ensured in these establishments.

Minh Trang said that despite living in the Mo Market apartment block in Hanoi, she rarely goes to the underground market to shop. “I go to the supermarket to buy food and essential items once a week. On rare occasions I go underground to purchase vegetables, fish, spices, and diabetic foods.”

Despite the behaviour of buying goods at market being maintained, consumer trends have changed significantly thanks to the appearance of modern retailers like supermarkets, shopping malls, and minimarts, which offer a large number of shopping selections for consumers.

CHALLENGES FOR THE CHANGES

Experts have said that traditional markets have been part of the lives of Vietnamese people for many generations. However, the number of traditional markets is decreasing as community space in cities narrows step by step.

“Food markets are still the citizen’s favourite destination to buy fresh foods for convenience and at a reasonable price. According to our survey in one food market, 70 per cent of customers said that they also go to supermarkets to buy goods. They love both the supermarket and the traditional market,” said Steve Davies, co-founder and vice executive chairman, US Project for Public Spaces.

Architect Tran Huy Anh, member of the Vietnam Association of Architects (VAA), said, “Some investors usually concentrate on short-term benefits, so they develop real estate projects on the land of traditional markets, instead of actually making it better. As a result, traditional markets in Hanoi are disappearing, replaced by building complexes where trade transactions are not effective, and apartments are not comfortable. So this form seems to have failed.”

In fact, this trend has already taken place in developed countries. In the US, most traditional markets closed down in the 1950s and were replaced by supermarkets. Only around 150 home markets have been maintained across the country. However, markets are opening again, with the number of weekly and seasonal ones increasing. Americans often prefer farming markets to supermarkets to experience traditional retail and directly buy fresh from farmers.

Davies said, “Most agricultural product markets in the US are outdoors. To maintain business activities during the years, markets are upgraded with roofs and other infrastructure. They steadily begin to look like the traditional markets that we see in Vietnam. American people often want the things Vietnamese people have.”

NEW LOOK, NEW VITALITY

According to Davies, numerous countries across the globe have modernised traditional markets by upgrading their infrastructure, power and water utilities, and other services, but maintained their form, style, and basic functions.

In countries like Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, traditional markets are maintained and upgraded to a reasonable scale with one or two floors, open spaces, plentiful and diversified goods, and prices cheaper than those elsewhere. That is why customers are still interested in traditional markets.

Davies assessed that several traditional markets in Hanoi are in bad condition. However, they can compete with supermarkets if renovated.

“We should start at the roof, which shields sellers and buyers from rain and sunshine. The floor should be easy to clean. The infrastructure of markets and stores need to be improved for additional functions. The maintenance of markets has been neglected for a long time, causing degradation. It is high time for some serious commitment to reinvest into traditional markets,” he said.

Huy Anh said that Hanoi has ceased combining trade centres and traditional markets.

However, the remaining markets are facing challenges. While purchases occur daily, the conditions become worse and the risk of fire is very high. New market forms are a difficult question for policymakers.

The renovation of traditional markets is still possible, according to customer Minh Trang.

“Although I rarely go, I believe that traditional markets will still be maintained for their role and meaning. Going to the market has been one of the main habits of Vietnamese people, which will be carried on and developed by younger generations like me,” she said.