Lotte Mart is expanding its distribution network in Vietnam by constructing a new shopping center exceeding 10,000 square meters in Ha Long, a prominent tourist city. This move broadens its reach beyond established cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City into regions with high economic and tourism growth potential.
On September 16, Lotte Mart Vietnam held a groundbreaking ceremony for the 'Lotte Mart Ha Long Shopping Center' in the Quang Ninh province's Bai Chay area. The event was attended by local officials, including the Deputy Director of the Quang Ninh Department of Finance, and representatives from BIM Group.
The new shopping center will be located on Hoang Quoc Viet, a major road in the Ha Long Marina urban development area. The site spans over 10,000 square meters, and Lotte Mart plans to develop it into a mixed-use shopping space that caters to the daily needs of local residents and the experiential shopping desires of domestic and international tourists visiting Ha Long.
Lotte Mart is collaborating with BIM Group on this project. The two companies aim to create a modern commercial space aligned with Ha Long's urban development direction, contributing to the expansion of local service and distribution infrastructure.
Once opened, the shopping center will feature an international-standard hypermarket, various food courts, and essential amenities. Lotte Mart intends to operate the store as a combined space for shopping, dining, and lifestyle services, moving beyond traditional retail.
This expansion into Ha Long aligns with Lotte Mart's long-term growth strategy in Vietnam. Lotte Group considers Vietnam a key overseas market, and Lotte Mart is extending its business not only in major cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but also into new economic and tourism growth areas.
The entry into Ha Long is part of a local expansion strategy led by Lotte Mart's Global CEO, Cha Woo-cheol. The company plans to maintain its presence in existing key commercial areas while proactively responding to consumer demand in high-growth new regions.
Shin Joo-baek, CEO of Lotte Mart Vietnam, stated at the groundbreaking ceremony, "Today’s ceremony marks the starting point for Lotte Mart’s long-term partnership in Quang Ninh. We will focus our capabilities to ensure the project is completed on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and quality." He added, "Lotte Mart will continue to activate the local supply chain and create jobs, positively contributing to the overall development of the community."
Since entering the Vietnamese market in 2008, Lotte Mart has continued its local operations. Recently, it has been expanding its stores while also enhancing operational efficiency and engaging in ESG activities.
In fact, Lotte Mart Vietnam was named one of the top 10 'Innovative and Efficient Companies' in the retail sector by local financial and investment publications Viet Research and others in 2026. The same year, it was also recognized as one of the top 10 'Green ESG Companies' in Vietnam's retail sector for the second consecutive year.
The company is also investing in environmental initiatives. Lotte Mart has installed rooftop solar power systems in eight shopping malls across Vietnam, resulting in annual cost savings of approximately 137 billion VND (about $6 million) and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by over 3,000 tons.
Digital operations are also being expanded. Since April of this year, Lotte Mart has implemented electronic payment functions in 15 stores in Vietnam, reducing paper usage and enhancing order confirmation features through its online application.
Meanwhile, Lotte Mart plans to continue expanding its presence in Vietnam, including the new shopping center in Ha Long, while pursuing environmentally friendly and digital operations to strengthen its long-term business foundation in the country.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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