Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group and Baring Private Equity Asia have paid $400 million to buy 5.5 per cent stake in The CrownX, retail unit of Vietnamese conglomerate Masan.
While the hypermarket segment is dominated by foreign players, key players in supermarket segment are locals.
The real estate consultancy anticipates elevated investment activity, sustainability and technology to be the next focus.
Vietnam is a still young retail market and has lots of development potential.
All 18 Auchan stores in Vietnam have now been acquired by Saigon Co.op.
Investors putting in a nominal investment in a vacant space to adapt it for a non-retail tenant can create long-term interest and occupied space, according to property consulting company JLL Vietnam.
Japan’s household goods and apparel chain Muji plans to establish a Vietnam branch in August 2019 and open its first store in Ho Chi Minh City next spring.
Auchan Retail Vietnam would have to face great challenges in an increasingly competitive market if it wants to reach the target of expansion.
No supermarket was opened in the past eight months though Lotte Vietnam Shopping Joint Stock Company has set out an ambitious plan to open more 12 Lotte Mart supermarkets in Vietnam since early this year.
Renowned international fast-fashion brand, H&M is set to open its third store in Crescent Mall, Ho Chi Minh City.