Traditional markets alter in the digital age, according to Phu Tho.

DNHN - With the change in appearance, product quality, and businesspeople's dynamism and responsiveness to catch up with the digital age, the traditional market has been able to increase its competitiveness and avoid falling behind the competition.

The entire province is currently home to nearly 200 markets, the majority of which are occupied by small merchants who produce and sell goods directly. The business items at the market are diverse in type and design, focusing primarily on fresh food, clothing, and home appliances...

In recent years, the proliferation of supermarkets, convenience stores, and online shopping has led to the gradual decline of traditional markets. Nevertheless, due to the cultural values and traditions of each locale, the traditional market will always occupy a particular place in contemporary social life.

There are approximately ten stable traditional markets in Lam Thao district's communes and towns. Typically, the market operates in sessions on set days. The markets meet an average of five to seven times per month, primarily in the morning.

Even though it is a rural market, the majority of customers are locals, and sellers have gradually adopted modern business practices such as cashless payment and selling through social networks. such as Facebook, Zalo... (online sales), and even simultaneous delivery. Ms. Nguyen Thu Thao, owner of a pork stall at a market in Hung Son town, Lam Thao district, shared: Sales hours are not only sold directly at the market; those who are busy and unable to purchase will call, and I will then deliver the goods to them. Currently, it is difficult to retain customers if you do not sell a variety of products.

Recognizing the importance of traditional markets in the distribution and retail sale of goods and in meeting the shopping needs of the populace, localities have increased the mobilization of resources to renovate and upgrade markets in recent years. As a result, permanent or semipermanent markets have been constructed with stalls that guarantee space and cleanliness.

Specifically, small merchants on the market promote business activities in the direction of modernity by developing a variety of models that accommodate consumers' shopping needs. To catch up with the trend, they are gradually adopting online sales channels via mobile phones and the Internet.

Many small merchants have actively transitioned to two forms of parallel business: direct sales at stalls and online sales, while catching up with technology trends, from vegetables and beans to meat and clothing. Transfer payments and scan QR codes with ease and convenience.

In addition, the non-cash payment helps the seller avoid risks such as torn currency, counterfeit currency, and time wasted exchanging change for customers. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nhu Quynh, a ward of Minh Phuong, shared: If you previously went to the market without bringing money back, you now only need a phone to purchase a bunch of vegetables for 10,000 VND, and you can also pay with your account. This makes me happy because it makes shopping convenient and satisfying.

It can be seen that a large number of people continue to exchange, buy, and sell goods at the traditional market due to their longstanding shopping habits. The traditional market has been able to avoid falling behind modern life thanks to business professionals' adoption of digital technology.

P.V