The negative impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic appears to have dampened the enthusiasm of consumers in Hanoi for this year’s Black Friday promotional sales. 

Fashion stores throughout the capital remain relatively quiet even at midday, despite it supposedly being the peak time for sales.

A quiet atmosphere descends on most commercial centres in Hanoi.

The launch of this year’s Black Friday sales fails to excite consumers.

Plenty of fashion stores display eye-catching banners offering customers discounts of between 50% and 60%.

A number of shops are even offering discounts of up to 70% on selected items.

Despite launching promotions and offering large discounts, the results have so far been underwhelming.

Thanh Ha, a shop owner on Pham Ngoc Thach street, says during this period customers are entering her store just to window shop, with few making a purchase.

A growing trend is that COVID-19 has forced consumers to tighten their belts.

The COVID-19 impact has altered consumers’ spending habit, with many spending more economically.

Staff have plenty of free time to kill during the day in contrast to the bustling atmosphere seen during previous years.

Chung Thuy, a customer, believes that the reason for the quiet atmosphere is due to the increasing popularity of online shopping, which takes less time and offers a wide range of goods with free shipping.