OHQUAO The Local Edit

OHQUAO The Local Edit is a concept store and design shop on Phạm Ngọc Thạch in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. The store showcases products from Vietnamese artists and local brands. It occupies a space down an alley, with a brightly lit interior and floor-to-ceiling displays. The shop sells a curated selection of stationery, gifts, apparel, and accessories. Items include postcards, notebooks, stickers, tote bags, and magnets.

Co-founders Simon Phan and Hoa Phạm established the OHQUAO brand in 2017. The first physical store opened in early 2020. The brand’s products often feature contemporary illustrations of iconic Vietnamese images. The store stocks items from more than 100 local artists and designers. It serves as a commercial platform for young creatives to sell their work. The product range extends to home decor, fragrances, and unique souvenirs.

The store is organized with a section for miscellaneous goods and another for apparel. It features collections with specific themes, such as the “Bạt” collection inspired by street vendor tarps. The inventory also includes items from exclusive partner brands. The shop aims to provide a retail experience focused on local creativity and modern Vietnamese design. It caters to both a local clientele and international visitors looking for locally made products.

OHQUAO began by participating in pop-up events and local markets before opening its permanent location. The founders’ initial goal was to create modern postcards and souvenirs. The business later evolved to feature a wider range of goods from a community of local creators. The shop’s name is a phonetic rendering of the expression “Oh, wow,” reflecting a sense of discovery.