More than 50 well-known brand names, such as Giordano, Mango,Zara, Topshop, Gap and Old Navy, have opened stores in HCM City.
While Old Navy opened its first store last month, H&M launchedits brand name last weekend with a fashion show at a leading shopping centre inthe city.
Other fashion companies, including Pull&Bear, Uniqlo and F21,will also enter the market this year with their own stores scheduled to open inHanoi shopping centres.
“Before launching our designs in Vietnam, we spent timeresearching the country’s economic development, culture and livingconditions," said a representative of Zara, who noted that the countrywould become one of the most important markets for the popular fashion brandfrom Spain.
Although their prices are higher than local products, ranging from300,000 VND (15 USD) to over 1.5 million VND (70 USD) with accessories sell foran average of 100,000 VND (4 USD) per item yet customers,particularly young people, are thrilled they are here.
Customer Tran Thi Anh Nhung of district 3 spent almost 5 millionVND (230 USD) on nine items at Zara after discounts last weekend, saying shewas delighted she no longer had to go Singapore or Bangkok for the lateststyles.
Nhung, a senior marketing executive for a foreign-ownedadvertising agency in district 1, said: “Zara and Topshop offer ready-to-wearproducts in the trendiest styles at reasonable prices. A mini-dress sells for 500,000VND (22 USD) compared to a Vietnamese one at 300,000 VND (15 USD). Customersaged 18 to 30, who change their clothes every season, are interested in thatkind of stores.”
Another customer, Vu Chi Hung, 32, said she was a fan of Topshopbecause their merchandises are both stylish and practical and can be purchasedfor around 22 USD a piece.
“The foreign brands located in shopping centres like Diamond,Vincom and Takashimaya guarantee their services and quality are the best forcustomers,” he added.
Ho Tran Da Thao, brand name creative director of the TsafariFashion Company, said: "The appearance of international fashion houses in Vietnamand so-called ‘fast fashion’ or ’casual wear’ brand names is sure to createfierce competition in the country’s fashion industry."
“Vietnamese brands should try to capitalise on the shoppingseasons and spend more money on advertising to grab the attention ofconsumers,” she added.-VNA