A Multiple Case Study on Challenges and Strategies of Sari-Sari Stores

Abstract

Sari-sari stores are very important in Filipino communities, yet their sustainability is challenged by intense competition, financial constraints, and operational hurdles. Despite large scale quantitative research, there is limited qualitative understanding of the lived experiences and adaptive strategies of store owners in rural areas such as Cabanglasan, Bukidnon. To address this gap, the present study used a qualitative multiple-case design involving ten registered sari-sari store owners operating for over a year in Poblacion, Cabanglasan. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed key challenges: 100% of participants faced daily competition and pricing pressures from neighboring stores and large retail chains; 80% struggled with limited capital, inconsistent cash flow, and damaged goods; and 90% reported difficulties in inventory management and customer debt. Despite these obstacles, owners used adaptive strategies such as competitive pricing (applied by 9 out of 10 stores), sourcing from lower-cost suppliers, and personalized customer service, which fostered high rates of customer retention and regular sales. Especially, owners’ resilience revealed through consistent product availability and strong community relationships was essential to their operational success. These insights emphasize the need for targeted financial literacy programs and policy support to strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of sari-sari stores in rural economies. The research contributes actionable best practices for microbusiness and policymakers, emphasizing the importance of context-sensitive strategies and strong social capital for business sustainability.