The Russian Market - a new venue for shoppers
By Kieu Giang in HCMC
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| The Russian Market in HCMC's District 1 - Photo: Kieu Giang |
Mention shopping, and people living in HCMC usually think of Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square or other department stores such as Diamond Plaza, Parkson or Saigon Tax Trade Center. Now there is a new address for shoppers - the Russian Market at 225 Ben Chuong Duong Street in District 1 that sells various products like sportswear, jackets, casual wear, shoes, souvenirs, suitcases and more.
Opened last May, the Russian Market covers 1,600 square meters in an ideal location - the spacious East-West Highway. Split over two floors, the market has 180 booths in total. 
The market’s predecessor was opened in 1991 in the Saigon Tax Trade Center. It was called the Russian Market because many Russian dealers would shop there, and then sell the products in their home country.
Many products sold at the market are Vietnam’s export ed products, and as such, there is not enough choice for customers. A women’s t-shirt sells for about VND60,000, while children’s clothes range from VND30,000. Trousers and dresses cost about VND100,000 and high quality jackets sell for about VND950,000 maximum. There are many options available for foreigners as the market stocks larger sized clothing and shoes.
The Daily observed that the Russian Market is a comfortable place to shop. Stallholders rarely pester customers or ask for unreasonable prices. Customers are able to window shop without sellers complaining too.
Customers should be patient when shopping – always check potential purchases carefully and bargain hard. Spend some time at the Russian Market this weekend to see for yourself.