Aeon Corporation, a Japan-based retailing group, has been licensed by Ho Chi Minh City’s government to set up Aeon Vietnam Co.

Aeon will start to build an Aeon Shopping Centre-Tan Phu Celadon in the Tan Phu district in Ho Chi Minh next year. The US$100 million  centre will cover 82.5 hectares and is expected to open in 2014.

Besides retail stores, it will house dining areas, a gymnasium, children’s entertainment and game zones for billiards and bowling.

The Aeon Shopping Centre-Tan Phu Celadon is the first of seven malls Aeon plans to develop in Vietnam. The investment license also allows Aeon to build supermarkets, specialised stores, department stores and retail stores under its own brand name.

Aeon comprises 180 companies operating in retailing, including supermarkets, general merchandise stores, department store, specialty stores, financial services and amusement facilities. Its network spans Japan, China, Malaysia and now Vietnam.

Through other divisions, it presently distributes products in Vietnam through retail chains including Daiso, Ministop and Family Mart. 

GB