Vegetables and fruit are packed and sold at a fixed cost of 10,000 VND (4 USD) per package. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

The first unmanned-shop in Hanoi opened in Dai Linh street, Trung Van ward, Nam Tu Liem district, shortly after social distancing began under the Prime Minister’s Directive 16. Since then 4 more stores have opened in Thuong Dinh, Tran Quoc Vuong, Kham Thien, and Doc Ngu streets, eliminating contact between sellers and buyers.

The shops are open from 6h30 am to 9 pm. Vegetables and fruit are packed and sold at a fixed cost of 4 USD per package. Shoppers select what they want and put their money in a box.

A shopper said, “During the pandemic, it’s really good that we can buy fresh vegetable. It’s convenient and safe to shop here because we don’t have contact with many people. This model should be replicated in other residential areas.”

Shoppers said they come here to shop quickly and leave. It’s not crowded and there’s no jostling.

Shoppers choose their items and put their money in the box. (Photo: tuoitre.vn)

Phan Thi Thuy, manager of the shop in Thuong Dinh street, Thanh Xuan district, says this model is similar to one in Japan.

“People are enthusiastic about shopping here and show a strong sense of responsibility. They keep an appropriate distance as they choose their items and put their money in the box. This model is good because it reduces the risk of infection from close contact,” said Thuy.

There are plans to replicate the model in other areas that are far from a public market.