Garment workers at the March 29 Textile and Garment Joint Stock Company. (Illustration image: VNA)

According to the Vietnam Trade Office in Sweden, which oversees Norway, Denmark, Iceland, and Latvia, Nordic consumers prefer simple yet sophisticated high-quality designs. Therefore, products entering this market must emphasise functionality, comfort, and sustainability.

The Nordic region is also a leader in sustainable fashion with strict standards for raw materials, production processes, and corporate social responsibility. Brands looking to enter this market must ensure transparency and environmental friendliness.

Nordic fashion brands use technology to enhance customer experiences, from online sales to ensuring supply chain transparency through blockchain.

Additionally, customers in this region often require delivery services under the Delivery Duty Paid (DDP) model, which demands strong logistics capabilities from businesses.

This region is also home to many prestigious fashion fairs, such as CIFF (Copenhagen International Fashion Fair) in Denmark, Oslo Runway in Norway, and Stockholm Fashion District in Sweden.

Nordic fashion fairs are not only platforms for showcasing products but also forums for connecting businesses with retailers, distributors, and strategic partners worldwide.

According to the Vietnam Trade Office, by focusing on minimalist, sustainable design and integrating digital technology, Vietnamese fashion businesses have the potential to establish a strong foothold in this market.

To achieve this, Vietnamese businesses are encouraged to develop product lines that are minimalist, elegant, high-quality, and made from environmentally friendly materials to enhance competitiveness.

Building a brand with a story linked to nature and culture is also highly appreciated by Nordic consumers.

Additionally, products should meet international certifications such as GOTS, OEKO-TEX, and BSCI to comply with sustainability standards. Businesses should ensure transparency in supply chains, material sourcing, and the application of green technology while optimising production processes to reduce waste - key factors in building trust with Nordic partners.

The Vietnam Trade Office also emphasises that participating in Nordic fashion fairs not only helps Vietnamese businesses expand their market reach but also provides opportunities to improve product quality, learn about advanced business standards, and strengthen international cooperation.

Therefore, Vietnamese businesses must carefully prepare product portfolios and designs to impress potential partners. At the same time, professional communication and negotiation skills are essential for building long-term relationships, taking advantage of opportunities to collect customer feedback, and improving products and services.

Paying attention to digital trends and logistics services is also essential. Businesses should invest in digital technology, e-commerce, and transparent supply chain tracking, as well as develop an efficient logistics system to ensure timely and reliable delivery. Additionally, training staff to handle complex orders and meet international customer demands is necessary to compete effectively in the Nordic market.