Vietnam retail sales have dropped just 4 per cent over the first five months of this year, despite a four-week shutdown due to the Covid-19 crisis.
According to the General Statistics Office (GSO), the retail revenue reached more than US$82.36 billion from January to May.
‘Non-essential’ stores across the country were closed from the end of March through most of April, with only supermarkets and pharmacies allowed to continue to trade. However throughout the closure, all retailers were allowed to sell goods online.
In May, after restrictions were lifted, Vietnam retail sales surged 27 per cent from April’s figures.
Sales of consumer goods accounted for 80.6 per cent of retail revenue, increasing by 1.2 per cent year on year.
Growth sectors included fresh-food products and home appliances while educational products and apparel sales fell by 8.2 per cent and 3 per cent respectively.
Although restaurants and other catering businesses have resumed their operations, the F&B sales fell 26 per cent year on year across the first five month of this year.
