Ho Chi Minh City Proposes In-Station Retail Development: A Catalyst for Consumption and Real Estate Growth

The integration of retail spaces within metro stations is emerging as a promising strategy for Ho Chi Minh City to enhance public transportation infrastructure while simultaneously developing a modern urban commercial ecosystem. This model is expected to not only improve convenience for commuters but also drive growth in both the retail sector and the real estate market surrounding metro lines.

In-Station Commerce: An Inevitable Trend

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trade has recently proposed the development of essential retail services within stations along Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) following a request by Saigon Co.op – the city's largest retail cooperative.

Spanning nearly 20 kilometers with 14 stations (3 underground and 11 elevated), the current metro system serves mainly transportation needs. However, the interior space within these stations remains underutilized, lacking shopping, dining, or entertainment options.

According to the Department, developing retail inside stations will diversify revenue streams, while providing quick and convenient shopping experiences – increasingly desirable in dense urban areas where public transport plays a central role.

Global Inspiration: Successful Transit-Integrated Retail Models

This concept has already proven effective in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and Singapore, where metro systems are seamlessly integrated with shopping malls, food courts, banks, clinics, and entertainment complexes.

In Japan, for example, projects like Tokyo Metro Mall and Osaka Station City demonstrate that transit-linked commercial hubs can significantly increase retail revenue while boosting public transport usage.

Saigon Co.op's Pilot Plan: Retail for Riders

According to its proposal, Saigon Co.op plans to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to pilot quick-service retail models inside stations. These would cater to commuters' fast-paced lifestyles with services like convenience stores, takeaway coffee, and essential goods.

The Department of Industry and Trade has advised Saigon Co.op to work directly with HURC1 (Ho Chi Minh Urban Railway Company No. 1) to incorporate this retail plan into the broader metro infrastructure utilization strategy.

Metro Line No. 1: High Usage, Low Retail Availability

Metro Line No. 1 has already served over 10 million passengers in just seven months, averaging over 52,300 riders per day, exceeding initial projections. However, despite this strong ridership, none of the 14 stations currently offer integrated retail services.

With Ho Chi Minh City's metro network set to expand to 335 km by 2035, early planning and development of modern commercial spaces within and around stations will be crucial for maximizing infrastructure investment and encouraging domestic consumption.

Boosting Real Estate: A New Urban Value Chain

Experts suggest that integrating retail into metro stations could significantly increase property values in nearby areas – especially within a 500 to 800-meter radius of each station.

• Shophouses, commercial apartments, and short-term rentals for metro users are expected to rise in demand.

• Areas with well-integrated metro-commercial hubs have seen property values increase by 10–30% faster than others.

• Investors are now restructuring their portfolios to target real estate near high-traffic stations such as Ben Thanh, City Opera House, Suoi Tien, Thu Duc, and the High-Tech Park.

By 2026, if the city accelerates the retail pilot model, it could serve as a dual growth engine—boosting both retail revenue and redefining urban real estate values.