Nghe An has 27 shopping malls and 77 supermarkets.

Specifically: There are 27 shopping malls in the province, mainly concentrated in Vinh City and some districts and towns such as Dien Chau, Con Cuong, Thai Hoa, Hoang Mai... The development of the shopping mall system with civilized and modern operating methods has rapidly changed the appearance of commercial architecture, contributing to the economic and social development of localities such as Do Luong, Tan Ky, Hoang Mai shopping malls... built by investors.

Comrade Nguyen Duc Trung - Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, visits a booth in Winmart Vinh supermarket. Photo: Pham Bang.

The infrastructure and technical facilities (architecture and area) of the shopping malls are generally standardized; the shopping malls have technical infrastructure that meets standards, possess modern facilities and equipment as prescribed, and operate with a high degree of professionalism in management and business organization. In terms of architecture, the shopping malls have high-rise, modern architecture, contributing to changing the architectural landscape of the locality.

In terms of total investment capital, the period from 2016 to 2021 attracted investment in 23 shopping malls with a total investment of over 1,500 billion VND.

Nghe AnThere are currently 77 supermarkets in operation. These supermarkets are generally small in scale, mainly concentrated in Vinh City and some district and town centers. Many large supermarkets exist, such as Big C, Maximark, Mega Market, HC, Huong Giang, etc. Goods circulated through supermarkets: for general supermarkets in the area, the goods mainly consist of essential consumer goods such as household appliances, frozen foods, and fruits and vegetables. For specialized supermarkets, the main items are books and electronics, attracting a considerable number of customers, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Vegetables displayed at a supermarket. Photo: Tran Chau

The infrastructure and technical facilities (architecture and area) of supermarkets are not standardized. Except for a few supermarkets like Maximark and Big C, which belong to nationwide supermarket chains and are equipped with modern facilities in accordance with regulations, and operate with a high level of professionalism in management and business organization. Architecturally, supermarkets are usually built with a single floor, and many specialized supermarkets utilize the ground floor of residential buildings for their operations.

From 2016 to the present, Nghe An province has attracted investment to build and operate 33 supermarkets with a total investment of over 150 billion VND. The supermarket system has gradually modernized its commercial infrastructure, meeting the needs of the people with a wide variety of goods, ensuring quality and providing modern, civilized service. Many new centers are currently being prepared for establishment.

According to the general assessment of the relevant authorities: In general, commercial infrastructure in the area is still small in scale, and the technical facilities of some establishments within the commercial infrastructure system do not meet the requirements, especially regarding fire prevention and control, environmental hygiene, food safety, and encroachment on roads and sidewalks causing traffic congestion, affecting safety, order, and the overall aesthetics of the locality.

Nghe An province currently lacks large shopping malls that are commensurate with the development of Vinh city and other commercially developed localities.

The level of management and operation of commercial infrastructure is still low, and the workforce does not meet the requirements of the integration trend. In addition, many shopping centers are not operating effectively and have not attracted consumers.

Nghe An still needs large shopping centers that attract tourists and serve a large number of people. (Photo: Thanh Cuong)

State management of commercial infrastructure still faces shortcomings, sometimes lacking decisive direction and close coordination among sectors. High investment costs lead to inflated prices of goods sold in shopping malls and supermarkets. In addition, issues related to fire safety, security, parking, etc., also remain problematic.

However, it must also be acknowledged that since the Covid-19 pandemic broke out...traditional marketWhile losing their competitive edge due to the high risk of disease transmission, shopping malls and supermarkets are becoming more necessary and efficient due to their more convenient purchasing and payment methods. This demonstrates the continued need for high-quality shopping malls in a province identified as the economic and cultural center of the North Central region.