Tsuruha opens its first store in Vietnam at 43 Ly Tu Trong Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Tsuruha opens its first store in Vietnam at 43 Ly Tu Trong Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Founded in 1929 in Hokkaido, Japan, Tsuruha began as a community pharmacy. After nearly a century of development, the brand now has more than 2,600 stores in Japan and Thailand. The chain's hallmark is its accessible "community pharmacy" model, which maintains professional standards and operational procedures.

In Vietnam, Tsuruha operates under the same standards as its Japanese counterpart. One of the chain's strengths is its qualified staff: all healthcare consultants in its stores are licensed pharmacists.

Consultants at Tsuruha address each customer's individual needs. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Consultants at Tsuruha address each customer's individual needs. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

The product catalog is also strictly controlled. According to a company representative, Tsuruha currently distributes over 500 genuine product brands across categories: prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, cosmetics, mother and baby products, personal care items, and healthcare products. All products have proper legal documentation and meet quality standards. The system does not sell smuggled goods or products of unknown origin.

The store's layout follows a Japanese drugstore model: spacious aisles, products categorized by function, and publicly displayed product information. Some cosmetic lines offer tester areas. Consultants help customers understand product labels, provide usage instructions, and advise on product combinations if needed.

Tsuruha implements a synchronized control process from procurement and storage to display and after-sales service. This process, based on experience managing over 2,000 stores in Japan, ensures product quality throughout the storage and distribution cycle.

Tsuruha offers well-known Japanese brands categorized by need, such as personal care (Tsubaki, Fino, Uno, Mondahmin); skincare (Senka, Anessa, Curel, Elixir, Hada Labo, Eucerin, Cocoon); and supplements (Alfe, Biofermin, Earth Collagen, DHC, Orihiro, Salonpas).

In July, Tsuruha officially opened its first store in Vietnam, having established a presence in the country in 2024. "With quality control from products to services, professional operations, and qualified staff, models like Tsuruha can diversify consumer choices and promote standardization across the industry," a representative stated.

Beyond expansion, Tsuruha aims to become a community health partner, mirroring its role in Japan for nearly 100 years.

Tsuruha's store space is designed according to the Japanese drugstore model. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Tsuruha's store space is designed according to the Japanese drugstore model. Photo: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Experts believe the arrival of international pharmacy models like Tsuruha in Vietnam offers consumers more reliable, professional choices and increases market transparency.

Recently, authorities have uncovered numerous cases involving counterfeit and unidentifiable healthcare products. From medications and supplements to cosmetics, many seized products violated regulations on circulation, quality declarations, or labeling.

Besides financial losses, using substandard products has health consequences. The rapid growth of e-commerce, social media, and informal distribution channels exposes consumers to risks when purchasing healthcare and beauty products.

Beyond product issues, the market also lacks quality consultation. In many retail locations, especially private pharmacies, product advice, particularly for supplements and cosmeceuticals, relies on staff experience. Not all locations have well-trained staff or consistent consultation procedures.

(Source: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam)

Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam

Lazada: s.lazada.vn/s.gydtK

Shopee: shopee.vn/tsuruha_vietnam

TikTok Shop: @tsuruha.drugstore

Fanpage: Tsuruha Drug Store Vietnam