Numerous retail stores in prime commercial areas of Hanoi's Hoan Kiem and Ba Dinh districts have closed or adopted unusual operating methods, with customers seen slipping through partially opened doors. The trend coincides with a heightened government campaign to combat counterfeit goods.

On the afternoon of June 4, VietNamNet reporters noted a striking change across the Old Quarter. Many shops along Hang Duong Street had closed, a stark contrast to the lively commercial activity seen just days earlier.

Hang Dao Street, located near Hoan Kiem Lake and known as a fashion hotspot on both weekdays and weekends, also appeared unusually deserted.

Some stores remained barely open, admitting only a few customers, while many others kept their doors tightly shut. The usually vibrant Hang Ngang and Hang Dao streets were cloaked in an air of quiet despite it being peak tourist season in the capital.

Along Hang Bac Street, a clothing shop labeled “Made in VietNam” was also closed. Another shop bearing the same brand, just a few dozen meters from Hoan Kiem Lake on Trang Thi Street, showed no signs of activity.

Other shops operated in a semi-secretive manner. Some barely opened their doors to serve customers in dim interiors, their lights switched off.

This phenomenon wasn’t limited to the Old Quarter. On Kim Ma Street in Ba Dinh District and Chua Boc Street in Dong Da District - areas known for heavy foot traffic and thriving fashion businesses - the same subdued atmosphere prevailed. Many stores were closed or appeared non-operational.

In recent weeks, under orders from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Domestic Market Development and Management Department has launched sweeping inspections against counterfeit goods. Thousands of fake and IP-infringing products have been seized.

The heightened enforcement follows several urgent directives from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, including Dispatch No. 65 on May 15, 2025, Directive No. 13 on May 17, 2025, and Dispatch No. 72. These documents call for intensified efforts to combat smuggling, commercial fraud, and intellectual property violations across ministries and localities.

The current clampdown appears to have driven businesses operating in legal gray areas to either shut down or covertly continue selling to avoid penalties.

The Bang