(Photo: Phuong Dong/Vnexpress.net)

During the social distancing period in HCM City, Nguyen Hoang Phu, an employee of an export company, had to work from home. Needing to make multiple banking transactions per day, Phu said his work became easier with the opening of bank kiosks in his apartment building.

'I just need to go downstairs for simple shopping or banking transactions. Many bank branches and services have been opened in my neighborhood,' said Phu.

Stores with pharmacy, milk tea, and banking kiosks have been set up by Winmart+ in HCM City since October. A representative of Winmart+ says this model offers convenience to consumers and helps businesses increase their revenues in each place of business.  

In addition to integrated stores, major brands like Phuc Long, the Coffee House, Vua Cua (King Crab), and Passio are setting up small kiosks throughout HCM City. A representative of Phuc Long says the company intends to open nearly 1,000 kiosks during the next 12 months with an expected daily revenue of 220 USD per kiosk.

The Passio Café chain opened its first takeaway kiosk in 2016 in a 15 sq meter area in HCM City. It has proved high efficient in terms of human resources, management, and revenue. The company plans to open more such kiosks next year.

Economists say a kiosk is a good model for expanding a business because it helps to diversify sources of revenue. Ho Minh Chinh, a retail expert, says a kiosk is effective for takeaway services, particularly during the pandemic.

'Buying daily necessities and takeaway drinks at the same time and doing bank transactions in the same place is a growing trend that customer increase convenience. As major brands change their business strategy to adapt to the new situation, it also creates new consumption habits,' said Chinh.

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