The Problems and Management Strategy of Local Convenience Stores for Business Survival in Violent Situations in Lower-South Thailand

Abstract

Violence in the lower south of Thailand has happened for more than 8 years, and it has affected the lives of local people; there is economic decline and many businesses are falling. The objective of this study is to analyze the management problems of convenience stores in lower-south Thailand and to study the management strategies of convenience stores for survival in this violent situation. We conducted in-depth interviews with 55 local owners of convenience stores in the towns of the Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. We selected the sample by convenience sampling and purposive sampling technique. To analyze the data, we conducted content analysis and descriptive analysis. Violence is a big issue that is contributing to many problems for convenience stores, such as increases in the cost of goods, inability to transfer the business to the next generation, customer decline, and the divide between Chinese Buddhists and Muslims. In addition, franchises such as 7-Eleven have affected local businesses. We found seven management strategies that traders use to help their businesses survive: 1) reduce working hours, 2) proceed carefully in violent situations, 3) classify customers, 4) employ Muslims to work in convenience stores, 5) offer price promotions, 6) set up another business to reduce business risk, and 7) practice self-sufficiency by investing only in necessities.