Vendors in Hanoi and HCMC Markets Close Shops as Raids Uncover Counterfeit Goods

A significant number of stores in HCMC and Hanoi that sell fashion items, watches, and medications have closed down. This follows increased crackdowns by authorities aiming to eliminate counterfeit products from these markets.

In Ho Chi Minh City, numerous booths shut down this week at well-known retail spots such as Saigon Square in District 1, An Dong Plaza in District 5, and the Medicinal and Healthcare Supplies Trade Centre in District 10.

The proprietors roamed through the marketplaces to assess conditions but refrained from opening their stalls due to concerns about getting caught peddling counterfeit goods.

In the stores that stayed open at Saigon Square, business was slow.

The number of visitors has plummeted, with many merely browsing without making purchases,” stated Hang, a vendor. He also mentioned that both buyers and sellers remain cautious.

The shops were shut down at An Dong Market in Ho Chi Minh City on June 3, 2025. The image was captured by VnExpress/Thanh Tung.

This week, Hanoi’s Vinh Phat Market, an important outlying center for trading clothes and fabrics, has remained notably subdued, with numerous stores shuttered and others obscuring their contact numbers to prevent inquiries.

Market regulators conducted multiple raids towards the end of May.

Inspectors discovered in HCMC thousands of products wearing labels of prestigious brands like Rolex, Chanel, and Gucci without vendors having the necessary documentation to prove their authenticity.

Their prices were significantly cheaper compared to authentic items.

There was low traffic observed at Vinh Phat Market in Hanoi on June 3, 2025. The image was captured by VnExpress/Hoang Giang.

The managers at Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City mentioned that completely stopping fake products is challenging without tackling illegal cross-border trafficking.

Other market managers mentioned that although this crackdown intends to safeguard consumers and enforce regulations, it exerts pressure on small sellers who often lack proper documentation or legal knowledge.

Sellers at prominent marketplaces mentioned that they cannot fulfill the criteria because they lack sufficient resources. Keeping their prices low to maintain customer loyalty limits their ability to offer authentic products as well.