Nearly 40 Co.opmart and Co.op Food supermarkets in areas potentially affected by Typhoon Wipha were placed on high alert on 19/7. These locations included Hanoi, Vinh Phuc, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, and Bac Giang.

Co.opmart staff replenish goods. Photo: Saigon Co.op

Co.opmart staff replenish goods. Photo: Saigon Co.op

The supermarkets doubled and tripled their stock of essential goods, focusing on rice, instant noodles, eggs, meat, vegetables, spices, drinking water, hygiene products, and emergency supplies. Saigon Co.op distribution centers nationwide planned transportation and allocated goods to Co.opmart supermarkets and Co.op Food stores in northern Vietnam. 800 points of sale also served as satellite warehouses, storing goods efficiently.

Safety measures included reinforcing external supermarket structures like parking lots, warehouse doors, canopies, and outdoor equipment. Electrical systems and backup generators were checked, and plans were made for flexible product displays depending on weather conditions. Inside, business operations continued as usual, with ample goods to meet increased customer demand before the typhoon.

Saigon Co.op collaborated with strategic suppliers to reserve additional essential goods at distribution centers. Leveraging their experience in handling severe weather, they increased supplies from local sources and existing stock, particularly livestock, poultry, and vegetables. They coordinated transportation to ensure continuous supply.

Co.opmart staff reinforce the supermarket before the typhoon's arrival. Photo: Saigon Co.op

Co.opmart staff reinforce the supermarket before the typhoon's arrival. Photo: Saigon Co.op

Co.opmart and Co.op Food maintained both in-store and online services, including home delivery. Customers could access the website, call, or contact individual supermarkets via Zalo for ordering and delivery information.

Co.opmart coordinates service for both in-store and online shoppers. Photo: Saigon Co.op

Co.opmart coordinates service for both in-store and online shoppers. Photo: Saigon Co.op

Beyond ensuring a stable market supply at consistent prices, Co.opmart also supported local communities. Depending on local conditions, this included providing free drinking water, rest areas, phone charging stations, and safe shelters. They also offered free snacks like instant noodles and hot water to those in need or seeking refuge from sudden weather changes.

Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Deputy General Director of Saigon Co.op, stated that the company prioritizes community support. During a major typhoon, supermarkets not only provide shopping and stable prices but also safe havens for people to rest and recharge, demonstrating the social responsibility of a domestic retail system.

"With proactive planning and close coordination, Saigon Co.op and northern Co.opmart and Co.op Food stores are committed to supporting the community and ensuring the supply of essential goods at stable prices, regardless of the weather," Thang said. The supermarkets also coordinated information and adapted their operations according to local authorities' guidance to maximize community safety.

(Source: Saigon Co.op)