Exploring the Evolving Shopping Mall Landscape in Ho Chi Minh City

The shopping mall industry in Ho Chi Minh City is thriving, playing an increasingly vital role in the everyday lives of Vietnamese consumers. In response to changing demographics and evolving urban landscapes, many malls have undergone significant rebranding and retail shifts in recent years. In this article, I share insights from my August 2024 research and site inspections, offering a closer look at four key shopping malls in the eastern part of the city that illustrate these trends.

1. Giga Mall – Thu Duc Giga Mall has shifted from an international to a more local focus, featuring a variety of local retail brands at affordable prices. Known for its food-centric environment, the mall offers numerous food courts and restaurants on nearly every floor, with a diverse selection of international cuisines, including Korean, Japanese, Thai, and Taiwanese. Popular for its kitchenware products and accessories, Giga Mall also provides playrooms, child-friendly activities, a cinema, and a gym. It’s a favored spot for middle-class families and is especially crowded on weekends.

2. Estella Place Shopping Mall - An Phu, Thu Duc Catering to upper-middle-class consumers, Estella Mall features a range of international clothing brands, particularly in footwear, as well as various coffee brands and convenience stores. The mall, frequented by both expats and locals, offers 30 minutes of free parking, ideal for quick shopping trips. Located in the vibrant District 2 amidst numerous residential buildings, it attracts a diverse clientele. Although it lacks a gym and cinema, it includes playground centers and educational activities for children, as well as language centers. The presence of some tech shops adds a bonus.

3. Vincom Mega Mall - Thao Dien, Thu Duc Vincom Mega Mall Thao Dien is a spacious mall appealing to upper-middle-class shoppers, featuring international fashion brands such as Muji, H&M, Decathlon, and Mango. Situated in a large residential area popular with expats, it attracts a diverse, higher-income crowd. The mall provides a free shuttle bus service to other Vincom locations, including Vincom Landmark 81 and Vincom Golden River, as well as to the Vincom Mall in District 1. Known for its jewelry, sportswear, and clothing options, it has a gym facility. While the variety of food options is less extensive compared to other malls, it still features some coffee shops and food choices.

4. Vincom Center Landmark 81 – Binh Thanh District Located in a prominent residential area near Vinhomes Central Park and the Landmark 81 skyscraper, Vincom Landmark 81 is known for its high-end offerings. The bustling basement level includes a cinema, ice skating rink, supermarkets, food courts, and playgrounds, while the ground floor features luxury international brands such as Pandora, Dior, Armani, and Uniqlo. The upper floors host gym facilities and a mix of local, Asian, and international brands across diverse sectors, though these areas are less crowded. The mall’s prime location is surrounded by convenience stores, shops, and restaurants. The most crowded area is the parking lot, as visitors often pass through the basement level, making these retail spaces particularly profitable.

Each of these four shopping malls provides a distinct experience tailored to various customer needs. Vincom Landmark 81 stands out with its wide range of entertainment options, including ice skating, a cinema, a gym, nearby parks, sky bars, high-end restaurants, and coffee shops. Estella and Vincom Thao Dien excel as premier shopping destinations with top-notch retail facilities. Meanwhile, Giga Mall caters more to food enthusiasts, offering an impressive food court and a variety of international dining brands.