Business Administration Students Gain Practical Merchandising Experience with MM Mega Market Vietnam

On July 17, 2023, VLU’s Business Administration students had direct exchange with representatives from MM Mega Market Vietnam to acquire knowledge about the trading market. This is an activity within the Visual Merchandising module.

MM Mega Market, part of TCC Group (Thailand's second-largest conglomerate with over $67 billion in assets), is ranked as one of the Best Workplaces in Asia 2021. After more than 20 years, MM Mega Market Vietnam has expanded to 21 wholesale centers and supermarkets nationwide, along with 5 supply stations, 2 transit warehouses, over 4,000 employees, and 2000 product suppliers. The workshop was led by MSc. Do Huu Tri - Head of Nonfood in Food and Salted Grocery; Mr. Piyawut Tuangviwatl - HR Senior Manager; Mr. Dinh Thai Binh - Talent Acquisition Senior Manager; and Ms. Le Nguyen Khanh Hieu - Talent Acquisition Senior Executive.

According to MSc. Huu Tri, an effective business needs specific branding strategies, ensuring customer and community satisfaction. "BEST FRESH AND BEST PRICE EVERYDAY" is MM Mega Market's brand positioning statement, affirming four core values: Customer at heart - Joyful workplace - Drive for change - Strive for excellence.

Sharing experiences from the expansion plan of MM Mega Market and the development strategy from its time as Metro Cash & Carry to its current state as MM Mega Market, MSc. Do Huu Tri stated: "To achieve today's success and aim for market dominance in the future, the company had to invest in reasonable depreciation while continuously updating information and studying customer psychology. Most importantly, ensuring product quality is crucial."

Visual appeal is a key factor in attracting customer attention and influencing their purchasing decisions. Different product categories have distinct merchandising strategies. Proper arrangement principles range from the overall layout of a supermarket to each product group, through each booth, and the specific order of products. A supermarket or retail store with smart display techniques can effectively promote its brand to consumers and boost sales more efficiently.

In the future, MM Mega Market Vietnam plans to recruit its workforce through many programs, with Van Lang University being a strategic partner providing quality human resources for positions such as: Trainee - full-time Interns for 4-6 months in all departments; Thanh Giong Trainee for graduates with less than one year of experience and good English skills; Fresh Graduates for full-time roles in all departments; Chef / Cuisine; and Pastry Fresh Solutions & Fresh Food Monitor.

Rated as the sixth-fastest-growing retail market globally by A.T. Kearney, the allure of Vietnam's retail market is increasingly evident. To enter this competitive labor market, students need to continuously strive to create value for themselves and learn to adapt to constant changes in the new era. Meeting with leading companies in the field will offer learning opportunities, helping VLU students approach, connect, and accumulate experience for their future endeavors.

News: Khanh Linh
Photos: Phuc Thinh