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4THE MODERN RETAIL TRADE IS STILL NASCENT
The lack of a reliable electricity supply and scarce access to transport has been part of the reason why the retail landscape remains largely ‘Mom and Pop’ grocery stores, with shoppers frequenting the stores nearest to their homes because it is the easiest option. The importance of these stores must not be overlooked; they are not just a distribution channel but often also consumers’ primary source of information about products and brands. There are few supermarkets even in the cities; in the countryside, there are none, and often products are labelled in Thai or Vietnamese so are difficult for local consumers to access. Access to the internet is so new that there is barely any online retailing. Even when access to the internet – and to online means of payment – reaches a critical mass, delivery will still be a challenge because the roads are poor, but if other fast-growth markets are any indication, e-tailing is coming, and aspects of modern-trade retailing may be skipped. altogether.
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