Abstract:
This research aimed to: 1) examine the problems consumers face regarding grocery stores in the Ban Thung Ree community; 2) develop service activities for local grocery stores in the Ban Thung Ree community; and 3) propose strategies for fostering economic and social transformation through these grocery stores. The study employed a participatory research approach, which actively involved community consumers in shaping the direction of the research. The tools used for data collection included community discussion forums, in-depth interviews, field observations, brainstorming sessions, commercial development activities, and initiatives to drive economic and social change for grocery stores. The data obtained were analyzed using content analysis, and the findings were presented through descriptive techniques, incorporating direct quotations from key informants to convey deeper meanings.
The reserch findings reveal that: 1. The study of consumer problems related to local grocery stores revealed that residents still value cooking meals at home. However, due to declining purchasing power, consumers need to manage their expenses more tightly. As a result, they expect grocery stores to offer ready-to-cook meal kits and adjust the sales format of other goods to align with their spending constraints. Despite their limited purchasing ability, consumers also expect to be treated with respect and warmly welcomed by shop owners. Moreover, they prefer more convenient options for shopping and payment. Finally, some consumers wish to consign surplus homegrown agricultural products to grocery stores to supplement their household income. 2. The success of a grocery stores service development depends on its ability to adjust its sales format in alignment with the income levels of consumers in the local area, ensuring a balanced approach. Moreover, the store must provide convenience to customers in both product selection and payment processes, creating a sense that each customer is valued and genuinely welcomed. In addition, expanding the sales model to include wholesale transactions enables customers to purchase products for resale, thereby generating additional income. 3. Strategies to foster economic and social transformation in relation to grocery stores include: (1) Offering delivery services to elderly individuals living alone. This not only enhances their quality of life but also instills a sense of social responsibility in shop owners, helping create a community with a better standard of living; (2) Accepting consignment of community-produced goods. This allows community members to earn more by selling ready-to-cook meals and agricultural products at retail prices rather than through middlemen. Grocery stores benefit from increased revenue, and consumers enjoy access to affordable, locally grown produce that meets their actual needs. This study contributes new knowledge regarding service development strategies that align with consumer issues related to local grocery stores. It demonstrates how small-scale, community-rooted initiatives can lead to meaningful economic and social change, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for all members of the community.