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Ben Thanh Market on the days surrounding Lunar New Year 2021 – Video: BONG MAI
Sitting and sorting the stacks of colored fabrics inside the market, Ms. Dam (the owner of the fabric stall 433) couldn’t help but be sad: “I’ve been selling in the market for over 20 years, but for the first time, the market was bored.
According to the General Statistics Office, due to the strong influence of the COVID-19 epidemic, by 2020 international visitors to Vietnam will only reach 3.8 million, 78.7% less than the previous year, of which more 96% were visitors in the first quarter.
Ben Thanh Market is not only a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, but it is also a famous shopping destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. But since the COVID-19 outbreak, the crowded market has turned deserted, slipping into a plateau.
During the social gap, many small businesses also closed their doors and Dam itself had to stop marketing for more than 3 months.
“I remember the market has to sell, but there are no customers on opening day from morning to afternoon,” Dam said sadly.
Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of District 1 (Ho Chi Minh City), but a number of kiosks in prime locations are still closed, hanging rental boards.
A small business is practicing when the market is empty, surrounded by closed kiosks.
Selling clothes at the market, Ms. Trinh said their condition is not improving: “Many times a week, we still haven’t sold them.” With no customers, many small businesses choose to close, announce the booth lease.
Around the lunar new year Dan In 2021, a number of small businesses start opening stores to sell to wait for “some air.” Many enthusiastic sponsors also visit the market to support.
Currently many Tet items such as confectionery, jam trays, glass fortune tree, fabrics, ao dai, cups, plates, lanterns … with plum and peach floral motifs have been exhibited for sale. Some small traders said that they have imported new products, although they are quite reserved compared to the past.
Ms. Hang (right) is paying money to buy household items from Tet to support Ms. Huong
At booth 846, specializing in the sale of home appliances, Ms. Hang said she ran from District 2 to shop here. In this lot, he spent 4.4 million to buy plates, glasses, and some fancy utensils with crisp patterns.
“I have been a regular customer of the booth for a long time. The products here are beautiful, many models, quality, easy to buy. In the few days around the new year, I will come to choose another model,” Ms. Hang said happily.
Some images recorded in Ben Thanh market:
Decorative New Year’s lanterns are hanging for sale.
Beans painted with peach and apricot blossom patterns are sold when Tet arrives
Small businesses sell jam cake trays and Tet household items
Some merchants still hold on, carrying stalls next door closed
Some stalls selling fruit, food … still have visitors to support
Customers choose to buy products in food, chocolate bar
Traders bring goods to customers’ vehicles – Photo: BONG MAI
Some foreigners still visit Ben Thanh market to shop – Photo: BONG MAI
Near Tet, some customers come to the market to buy fabrics and garments – Photo: BONG MAI
With Tet approaching, Vietnamese customers are the hope of many small businesses in the Ben Thanh market. – Photo: BONG MAI
