HCM CITY — Convenience stores and minimarts have become increasingly popular in the country, with more than one third of households shopping there regularly, according to some analysts’ estimates. Convenience stores offer good opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and farmers to bring their products into the market.”According to the ministry, investors are also favouring convenience stores since their return on investment is much higher than traditional supermarkets or hypermarkets and investment is lower. Besides, getting licences for convenience stores and minimarts is much easier than for supermarkets since opening retail outlets of less than 500sq.m is not subject to the economic needs test (ENT), it said. Intense competitionThe number of convenience stores more than doubled in 2012-14 to 348. According to insiders, the biggest disadvantage for convenience stores and minimarts is their higher prices compared to supermarkets, traditional markets, and grocery stores.

Source: Viet Nam News February 10, 2017 02:53 UTC