Factors influencing the development of Sari-Sari stores among selected towns of Iloilo

Abstract

The study examines multiple factors which shape sari-sari store progress in selected towns within Iloilo City. Non-probability sampling identified 100 sari-sari store owners so researchers selected participants at random from within this group. A researcher-designed face-to-face survey questionnaire collected data to identify critical and non-critical factors influencing the growth and sustainability of small retail businesses. The research period spanned from January 23 2025 to April 2025 during which time the authors produced research material, gathered data, executed analysis phases and delivered results.

A quantitative survey research design analysis was implemented to investigate which predefined variables most effectively influenced sari-sari store development. Results showed owner age between 21 to 50 years had no meaningful effect on store development because this population falls within their productive years as entrepreneurs. The study discovered revenue had limited influence across all age groups except for older store owners above age 51. Store owners who were 51 years or older viewed revenue as a moderately important indicator for their store development. According to research findings customer presence alongside their actions showed minimal influence on retailers from every age group.

Research findings indicate that employee factors became a primary driver behind sari-sari stores' expansion particularly among store owners between 18 and 20 years old who assigned the strongest weight to employee influence. The results showed investment capacity stood as a key factor because younger owners (aged 18–20) evaluated it as strongly important but older owners viewed it as moderately important.

This research deepens Philippine micro-enterprise development knowledge by studying age-based business growth perceptions which help create targeted programs for small-scale businesses.