THE RETAIL INDUSTRY INNOVATES TO ADAPT TO E-COMMERCE

Amid the rapid rise of e-commerce, Vietnam’s retail sector is undergoing a profound transformation, compelling businesses to innovate their models to remain competitive and sustain market share. To build a healthy and transparent digital business environment, the National Competition Commission (Ministry of Industry and Trade) has introduced the “Enterprises for Consumers” criteria set for the e-commerce sector, aimed at promoting ethical standards and strengthening consumer trust in online transactions.

According to a report by the General Statistics Department (Ministry of Finance), Vietnam’s total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue in September 2025 were estimated at VND 598.7 trillion, up 2% from the previous month and 11.3% year-on-year. In the first nine months of 2025, total retail sales reached VND 5.176 quadrillion, up 9.5% over the same period last year—demonstrating that domestic consumption continues to grow steadily. Sales in apparel rose by 15.2%, food and beverages by 13.8%, and household goods by 10%, while accommodation, catering, and travel services increased by 15% and 19.7%, respectively. Notably, localities such as Da Nang (9.4%), Can Tho (8.8%), Hanoi (8.4%), Ho Chi Minh City, and Hai Phong (8.3%) posted robust growth rates.

Alongside these impressive figures comes the mounting pressure of competition from e-commerce—a sector that continues to expand rapidly in both market scale and consumer behavior transformation. Online shopping is becoming the preferred choice for many consumers, requiring retailers to accelerate digital transformation, ensure data protection, and build strong brand trust. Successfully adapting to this trend not only helps businesses retain customers but also creates new opportunities in the digital economy.

The “Enterprises for Consumers” criteria set, developed by the National Competition Commission, serves as an important step toward establishing a fair, transparent, and sustainable e-commerce environment. Its key highlights include strict requirements for personal data protection, clear mechanisms for complaint handling and product returns, and transparency in transaction information. These criteria are not only designed to safeguard consumer rights but also act as a “trust benchmark” and ethical business standard for companies operating in the e-commerce sector.

In the context of booming e-commerce growth, this initiative provides a framework for sustainable retail development and helps shape a more transparent, safe, and consumer-centric online marketplace—one where customer trust is regarded as the most valuable asset of every enterprise. By adopting these standards, Vietnam’s retail and e-commerce industries can build a solid foundation for a healthy digital economy and long-term, inclusive growth in the digital era.

Source: VOV