Outstripped by modern retail channels, many traditional markets in Hanoi have hit a wall following plunging sales and the absence of customers.

Nga Tu So Market in Dong Da District was one of the most bustling traditional markets in the capital city in the past, but it is degraded and largely empty now.

The market, which mainly sells clothes, footwear, household appliances, and food, is seeing lots of stalls shut down.

As a merchant at the market for more than 20 years, Huong said that selling goods at Nga Tu So Market some two decades ago was a dream of several locals as this was regarded as the second Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.

In the past, traditional markets were the main place for trading activities, she said regretfully.

Many vendors put their stalls or kiosks up for sale, but they found no buyers, leading to a series of kiosks being abandoned, painting a dystopian picture at the market.

Located just under one kilometer from Nga Tu So Market, the Royal City shopping mall, which began operating in 2013, remains vibrant and bustling.

In addition to being a place for shopping, the trade center offers customers a wide range of services as it is home to numerous restaurants, amusement arcades, and entertainment spaces.  

Taking her children to the amusement space of the shopping mall, Xuan, a resident of Ha Dong District, said that she gives a priority to modern retail channels out of their convenience. 

These trade centers could fit the demands of residents since they feature not only retail spaces and supermarkets, but also fashion stores and amusement areas, she said.

“With their clean, cool, and modern spaces, shopping malls satisfy my family,” Xuan said, adding that when shopping there, she has no worries about overcharging.

Facing the same downbeat state as Nga Tu So Market, Thuong Dinh Market in Thanh Xuan District and Cau Giay Market in the namesake district are struggling to maintain operations as few stalls remain open.

Several spaces at the two markets have been either converted into fitness centers or abandoned.

Despite being upgraded, Buoi Market, one of the oldest markets in Hanoi, is not an exception. Many stalls have been left vacated, while other kiosks were transformed into warehouses.

Some merchants said that the majority of stalls at the market sell necessities and household appliances as these commodities still attract customers.

Meanwhile, the sale of clothes has been overtaken by modern retail channels and e-commerce platforms.

The number of market-goers has plummeted, forcing some traditional markets to develop into trading centers such as Hang Da Market.

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