Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi’s total retail sales of goods and consumer service revenue reached 615.7 trillion VND (23.3 billion USD) in the first eight months of 2025, up 12.6% year-on-year, according to the National Statistics Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Finance.

Retail sales accounted for the largest share at 387.9 trillion VND, up 12.2%. Revenue from accommodation and restaurant services totalled 85.2 trillion VND, making up 13.8% and rising 16.1%. Tourism earnings stood at 22.1 trillion VND, representing 3.6% and surging 21.4%. Other services generated 120.5 trillion VND, accounting for 19.6% and increasing 10.2%.

In August alone, total retail sales and consumer service revenue hit 81.6 trillion VND, up 4.8% from July and 13.4% year-on-year. Of this, retail sales reached 49.7 trillion VND, up 11.5% from a year earlier; accommodation and catering services rose 16.8%; tourism jumped 33%; and other services increased 13.7%.

The NSO said that a wide range of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day (September 2) gave a strong boost to demand for goods, services, and tourism. Shopping malls and supermarkets launched extensive promotions while multi-channel retailing combining online advertising with discounts helped businesses connect with customers and stimulate consumption.

Nguyen Thi Bich Van, Communications Director of Central Retail, said the company has actively joined Hanoi’s consumption stimulation programmes. Its retail system, including GO!, Tops Market, Big C, go!, and Nguyen Kim, offers discounts of up to 50% for thounsands of items.

Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, Director of Co.op Mart Hanoi, noted that the year-end season is always a golden period for trade and consumption, adding that enterprises are focusing resources on boosting sales through promotions and product marketing campaigns.

Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Industry and Trade Nguyen The Hiep said the domestic market is expected to remain buoyant in September, which coincides with the back-to-school season, driving demand for clothing, textbooks, and school supplies.

Measures to boost consumption

To stimulate domestic demand, Hanoi has rolled out a concentrated promotion programme featuring a wide range of activities for consumers.

Nguyen Tuan Anh, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Centre for Industrial Promotion and Development Consultancy, said peak promotional activities activities began in July and will continue in November 2025, with 1,000–2,000 enterprises and retail outlets participating in. Discounts and promotions of up to 50% are being offered to boost sales.

Hiep added that the municipal Department of Industry and Trade is helping businesses put their products on e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, TikTok Shop, and Lazada. These efforts aim to change consumer habits, promote digital consumption, and accelerate e-commerce. Highlight activities include “Touch Technology, Live Smart”, a digital transformation space where consumers can experience cashless shopping, online flash sales, and AI-powered applications.

The Hanoi Midnight Sale 2025 is slated for November 28, coinciding with global Black Friday activities, while the Brand Promotion Day will be held in collaboration with businesses at a high-end venue to attract consumers and tourists.

♉ The official said domestic consumption is one of the three main growth drivers. Given this, it is necessary to continue fostering the domestic purchasing power through appropriate policies. With diverse activities, Hanoi is striving for a 14% increase in retail sales and consumer service revenue, helping to realise the GRDP growth target of at least 8% this year./.