(VOVWORLD) - Amid the familiar sounds of saws and chisels and the scent of fresh wood, Hữu Bằng craft village in Hanoi is embarking on a new journey. The same craftsmen remain devoted to carpentry, but today they must also listen to the market, diversify designs, and rethink sales strategies to sustain their livelihoods. Join us on a tour of Huu Bang carpentry village, where a traditional craft is adapting to thrive in a modern rhythm.
 A carpentry workshop in Huu Bang village (Photo: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn) |
The familiar sounds just heard have echoed through Huu Bang carpentry village for generations. Though the village still hums with mechanical activity, things are changing. Markets have shifted, consumer demands have evolved, and the village has had to transform for survival.
There was a time when Huu Bang furniture mainly served the domestic market with traditional designs. But in recent years, consumer tastes have changed rapidly. Wood products today must be durable, aesthetically pleasing, compact, and suited to modern living spaces.
This shift presents new challenges for households engaged in the craft. Nguyen Minh Khiem, owner of a local carpentry workshop, recalled, "In the past, we could sell products based on the knowledge passed down by our ancestors.” “Now things are different. Customers ask detailed questions about styles, materials, and prices, so we must constantly update our designs to match trends and customer preferences. Otherwise, we can’t keep up with the market," said Khiem.
 The carpentry craft provides jobs for Huu Bang residents. (Photo: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn) |
Many households in Huu Bang were confused at first by the new market demands. Not wanting to abandon the craft, they chose to adjust their methods and adapt. A new flexibility can be seen in wood selection, product design, and customer outreach. Many workshops have begun promoting their products on social media, selling online to customers beyond the locality and even in distant provinces.
According to Le Ha Ly, owner of the Phuc Ly carpentry workshop, "Society has changed. If we don’t change, we will lag behind. Customers now prefer furniture that’s simple, modern, and reasonably priced. We have to be more meticulous and flexible. Sales methods must also adapt to digital technology.”
Ly said previously, customers came directly to the workshop or store. But with social media platforms developing, they had to change their business model—maintaining traditional sales while boosting online platforms, livestreaming, and website advertising. “This method is very effective, saving time and money while being more convenient for customers," Ly concluded.
 A living room furniture set produced by Huu Bang artisans (Photo: nongnghiepmoitruong.vn) |
Adapting to the market means adopting a more professional business mindset. Today’s Huu Bang craftsmen preserve the traditional techniques while learning new ways of doing business to support their families and sustain the craft.
Despite the changes, Huu Bang carpentry village has retained its identity. Chisel marks and wood joints are still handmade using skills refined over generations. But the approach to the market has changed, making products more accessible to customers.
Nguyen Xuan Huan, a Hanoi resident, said, "Huu Bang wood products have long been famous, and I often buy them. With the development of the internet, everything has changed—designs are more diverse, and purchasing is easier, faster, and more convenient. I don’t need to go there in person but can still buy items I’m satisfied with."
By adapting to the changing times, Huu Bang carpentry village is preserving its identity and the future of villagers who have depended on wood for their livelihood for centuries.