A view of Chiem Son broom-making village (Photo: Tuyet Le)

Chiem Son village operates year-round, with each artisan specializing in a different stage of production. Nguyen Nhat Tuan, owner of the Nhat Tuan broom workshop, says output doubles during the peak season leading up to tet, Lunar New Year.

On average, the workshop produces 1,500 brooms a day. The brooms come in a variety of styles, including traditional rattan-woven designs, wire-wrapped models, and plastic-handled versions.

According to Tuan, each year his workshop imports between 40 and 50 tons of raw materials to keep production steady. “Our workers have continuous employment, and we have elderly employees, some as old as 80, who come to work simply because they enjoy it. We also hire people with disabilities,” Tuan told VOV.

Nguyen Nhat Tuan is one of pioneers in developing broom-making craft in Chiem Son village. (Photo: Tuyet Le)

During the Tet season, production ramps up significantly. There have been times when we produced as many as 40,000 brooms and still struggled to meet market demand. To keep up, we usually hire additional workers toward the end of the year, he said.

The Nhat Tuan broom-making workshop, one of 20 household producers in Duy Trinh commune, employs 350 full-time workers. Once considered a side job for farmers during the off-season, broom-making has evolved into the primary source of income for many villagers.

Phan Thi Xuan, a Duy Trinh resident who works for the Nhat Tuan workshop, said, she has been working here for over 10 years, and the income is enough to support her family. “My husband has also been working here for two and a half years. The workshop owner has created job opportunities for many women and local residents,” said Xuan.

The workers’ skill and experience make Chiem Son brooms highly prized for their quality and variety. Nguyen Van Thanh, head of the village management board, said, “Our brooms are a time-honored product, crafted using skills passed down through generations. What sets them apart is the dedication of the local artisans, who honor their ancestors’ legacy while producing brooms to support their families. Customers who have used our products often return to buy more.”

Chiem Son brooms are sold throughout Vietnam’s northern provinces and exported, with prices ranging from 1.40 USD to 3.50 USD per broom. The village produces millions of brooms per year, generating annual revenues of 4.3 million USD.

A growing number of young entrepreneurs are blending traditional broom-making with creativity and modern technology. Chiem Son brooms now reach consumers through e-commerce platforms as well as traditional markets.

Nguyen Duy Binh, owner of the Minh Thu broom-making facility in Duy Trinh commune, told VOV that he sells brooms through traditional outlets and on online platforms. “I showcase my products on the internet, and allow customers to find me. I take responsibility for ensuring that each broom meets customer expectations,” Binh noted.

Rattan weaving is a phase in making broom process (Photo: baoquangnam.vn)

Local authorities have helped broom makers expand their market. Dang Huu Phuc, Deputy Chairman of the Duy Xuyen district People’s Committee, said that over the years, the district has supported traditional craft villages by integrating them into national programs for new-style rural development.

“We’ve implemented measures to help broom-making facilities expand their market and gain access to trade promotion, networking, and marketing opportunities. As a result, the village’s brooms have seen significant growth in sales,” according to the district official.

The broom-making craft has significantly changed Duy Trinh commune, where spacious new homes now stand as a testament to the income it generates. Looking ahead, Duy Xuyen district authorities plan to promote craft village tourism to boost local prosperity.