Vietnam's condom business goes upscale

Source: Google

In Vietnam's fast-growing commercial capital Ho Chi Minh City, most people buy cheap condoms from no-frills roadside kiosks, at the drug store or in supermarkets.

But two brothers have opened an upmarket condom boutique here, saying customers want more choice and more sophisticated options -- even in a country known for being socially conservative, where sex education is taboo.

"Doing this business is good for the public and the society," says Nguyen Khanh Phong, 28.

"We went to the authorities and asked for permission and they allowed us," adds his 21-year-old brother Nguyen Hoang Long.

"Now things come easier," he adds, noting that the business -- open for more than two months now -- is thriving.

The shop, called Volcano, makes no attempt to hide what it's selling. Condom boxes are stuck to the glass doors of the tiny store, the walls are painted pink and shelves are stacked with condoms from across Asia.

"We spent a lot of money," Phong says. "It looks friendly."

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WOO! Your friendly neighbourhood condom store.

Actually Vietnam isn't as socially conservative as one would think. Especially in the Southern part of the country where Vietnam has been influenced by centuries of first French and then American influence. There is plenty of nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City where youngins can be seen clubbing late into the night. Having a store like this is great. The more youths are educated about sex and enjoy sex, the better.