Traditional market goes online

For years, Dong Xoai Market in Binh Phuoc ward has been home to hundreds of market traders and is considered the largest traditional market in the northern part of Dong Nai City. The market is now gradually going digital with the introduction of smart market management software and the Cho So 247.vn (247.vn digital marketplace platform). Traders can make cashless payments, promote their products and reach a wider customer base online.

VNPT Dong Xoai staff show a trader at Dong Xoai Market how to take photos and post product information on the Cho So 247.vn.

At the same time, digital tools and practices are gradually replacing the manual methods traditionally used in the market. The new model has received a positive response from traders.

Traders embrace the digital marketplace

When Dong Xoai Market was officially launched as Dong Nai City's first digital market through Cho So 247.vn, sales staff from VNPT Dong Xoai and VNPT Dong Nai went from stall to stall to help traders install the software and learn basic functions such as taking photos, posting product information, and promoting their goods. While many traders were initially hesitant and concerned that the platform would be difficult to use, they gradually became more comfortable with it and showed growing enthusiasm for the new system.

Doan Thi Thu Thuy, who runs a clothing stall, said she had been trading at the market for 20 years. Most of her customers were regulars who came directly to her stall. On average, she sold VND2-4 million worth of goods a day. Thuy admitted that she was not familiar with technology and mainly used her phone for entertainment. However, after learning about the benefits and key features of the digital marketplace, she became eager to give it a try.

“I need to embrace new things to improve myself and adapt to society. I will learn to use the platform so that I can run my business more effectively,” Thuy said.

At the neighboring stall, Nguyen Thi Thao, another clothing trader, said her business at the market was stable. She was also selling effectively through Zalo, TikTok, and Facebook. She believed that having Cho So 247.vn as an additional sales channel would make her online business more professional.

“The success of the model will depend not only on VNPT Dong Nai's active support but also on the market management board taking the initiative to apply technology to market management and adopting more digitalized working methods. Traders also need to be willing to change their mindset and actively participate in Cho So 247.vn to improve business efficiency.”

Nguyen Minh Quang, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai City Department of Science and Technology

Moving toward smart operations

Dong Xoai Market currently has 564 stalls operated by 342 traders. Market management has long relied on a number of manual processes, making day-to-day administration more difficult. The introduction of Cho So 247.vn will help digitalize the management of stalls and traders, revenue collection, e-invoices, and other functions. Traders will have opportunities to sell through multiple channels and increase their revenues. Meanwhile, consumers will be able to shop more conveniently and trace the origin of products.

Vu Duc Quang, Director of VNPT Dong Xoai, said that amid the rapid growth of e-commerce and the rise of digital consumption, digital transformation was essential for traditional markets to strengthen their competitiveness. VNPT Dong Xoai is providing training and guidance to the market management board and volunteer youth teams supporting digital transformation in Binh Phuoc ward so that the teams can become proficient in using the platforms. They will directly assist traders with basic operations, guide them in using the platform's features, and gradually help them become “digital traders.”

Nguyen Van Lam, Director of the Binh Phuoc ward General Services Center, said the unit would step up communication activities while providing guidance and support to traders. The initial focus would be on the main market building before the initiative is expanded to other vendors and businesses, with the aim of gradually putting Cho So 247.vn into effective operation.

“Currently, about 70% of the market's traders use smartphones and are familiar with applications such as VNeID, the Electronic Health Book, and banking apps. This will make it easier for them to use Cho So 247.vn. For the remaining traders, most of whom sell vegetables and fish, we will provide support to ensure that everyone can use the platform. This will help improve business efficiency while gradually making market management more systematic and professional,” Lam said.

Ngo Hong Khang, Chairman of the Binh Phuoc ward People's Committee, said the operation of Cho So 247.vn was one of the concrete measures to implement Resolution No. 05-NQ/TU of the Dong Nai City Party Committee's Executive Board, which launched a special 500-day-and-night emulation campaign themed “Solidarity – Discipline – Efficiency – Breakthrough, building a civilized and modern Dong Nai.” The ward aims to ensure that by the third quarter of 2026, all traders at Dong Xoai Market will have received guidance and support to install the platform and gradually make use of its features. The initiative is expected to improve residents' digital skills and help make digital transformation more practical and effective.

By Q. Minh – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho