Despite global economic headwinds and challenges at home, Central Retail Vietnam is doubling down on its long-term strategy titled “Contributing to Vietnam’s Prosperity – Better for Vietnam”. Throughout 2025, the retail giant has continued to launch initiatives that tie its business operations with environmental stewardship and community well-being.
Planting seeds of change
In September, Central Retail Vietnam joined hands with Procter & Gamble Vietnam (P&G) and the Gaia Nature Conservation Center to host its 2025 Reforestation Day. Together, they planted 1,000 native trees in Ta Kou Nature Reserve, Lam Dong Province, an area recognized as one of the world’s 221 most critical ecological zones but increasingly threatened by soil erosion and desertification.
This marks the third consecutive year of the program, raising the total number of trees planted nationwide to more than 35,000. For Olivier Langlet, Group CEO of Central Retail Vietnam, it is more than a symbolic gesture.
“This is a significant milestone that reflects Central Retail Vietnam’s strong commitment to supporting the national goals of forest restoration, biodiversity conservation, and community development,” Olivier Langlet said. “We believe that sustainable development is an inseparable part of our investment and growth strategy in Vietnam. Central Retail Vietnam is proud to join hands with P&G, our consumers, and our dedicated employees to contribute to a greener and more sustainable Vietnam.”
Employees also played a central role. Nearly 200 staff members from Central Retail and P&G volunteered to plant drought-resistant native trees that help safeguard water resources, prevent sandstorms, and create future livelihoods through eco-tourism and agriculture.
Greener retail, everyday
Beyond tree planting, Central Retail has been embedding sustainability into its retail ecosystem. At GO! and Tops Market supermarkets nationwide, consumers are encouraged to recycle packaging and adopt reusable bags.
On July 3, GO! Hue teamed up with WWF-Vietnam to launch “Plastic-Free July.” As part of the campaign, the supermarket stopped distributing plastic bags during checkout on Tuesdays and Thursdays throughout the month, nudging shoppers toward more sustainable habits.
That same day in Hanoi, GO! Thang Long joined an initiative led by the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Institute of Strategy and Policy on Agriculture and Environment, reaffirming Central Retail’s pledge to work with communities on greener practices.
Other projects are more technology-driven. The company has invested in solar power systems and EV charging stations at GO! malls, installed inverter equipment to cut energy consumption, and introduced SPARKLOMATs to collect used bottles and cans for recycling.
Taken together, these efforts illustrate what Olivier Langlet calls a “roadmap for sustainable growth,” ensuring that every expansion aligns with high standards of environmental responsibility.
Standing with communities
Central Retail’s sustainability strategy, known as REnew, goes beyond environmental protection. One of its four pillars emphasizes social support and community development.
That commitment was tested in July, when Typhoon Wipha (Storm No. 3) swept across northern Vietnam, including Nghe An Province. Within hours of a relief call from the local Fatherland Front Committee, employees from GO! Vinh braved flooded roads to deliver 200 aid packages of essential goods to residents in hard-hit Chau Khe Commune.
Education has also been a focus. In 2025, the company handed over two new schools under its “One Mall, One School” program-one in Ca Mau and another in Khanh Hoa. To date, Central Retail has supported 15 schools with more than VND12.8 billion, benefiting nearly 9,000 students with improved classrooms and facilities.
Acts of kindness also extend to cultural traditions. During Lunar New Year 2025, GO! and Tops Market donated 5,100 Tet gift packages worth more than VND1 billion to disadvantaged families, part of its broader mission to “share love and care.”
Recognition and responsibility
Central Retail’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. For four consecutive years, from 2021 to 2024, it was honored by The Saigon Times with the CSR merit certificate. And for five years running, it has topped the Vietnam Report ranking of the country’s ten most reputable retailers.
For Olivier Langlet, such recognition is welcome but not the end goal.
“We are proud of what we have achieved, but we see this as only the beginning,” he emphasized. “By working together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The image of retail employees planting trees, handing out storm relief, or sharing Tet gifts may not fit the traditional image of a retailer. But in Central Retail’s vision, it is precisely these actions that embody what it means to be “Better for Vietnam.”
