ADAPTATION OF GROCERY STORES TO THE IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 EPIDEMIC IN THAIYAWAT SUBDISTRICT, NAKHON CHAI SI DISTRICT, NAKHON PATHOM PROVINCE

Abstract

This research aims to study the current situation, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic situation, and adaptation of grocery stores in Thaiyawat Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province by using the technique of interviewing the population of 29 grocery store’s shopkeepers in the study area and analyzing data using content analysis techniques. The results showed that the current situation of running a grocery store business was found having an unsystematic business model, with no store accounting, no warehouse control, and no technology is used. As a result, the grocery stores' number of customers, sales, and income have decreased in the past. As for the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was found, in terms of the economy, that grocery stores are most affected by the market share competition of the convenience store business. In terms of health, most of the shopkeepers are affected by stress from economic problems, and in the social aspect, the grocery stores have been affected by the rapid change in customer buying behavior so that the shopkeepers can't adjust. In terms of economic adaptation, it was found that most of the shopkeepers have adapted by turning to join projects launched by government assistance measures, such as the Blue Flag Project, the Rao Chana (We win) Project, and Khon La Khrueng (Co-payment) Projects, etc. The adaptation in health aspect was found that the shopkeepers solved the problem by finding activities to reduce stress, and social aspects were found that the shopkeepers have adapted by using more payment methods and promoting new products through online channels.