Adapting to Price Fluctuations: A Case Study of Street and Market Vendors in Tarlac City

This study examined the experiences and adaptive strategies of vendors in response to price fluctuations using a qualitative case study approach. Focusing on a bounded case of six purposively selected street and market vendors, the study identified patterns of resilience, negotiation, and vulnerability by emphasizing how vendors deal with uncertainty in a fluctuating economic environment. One of the most significant findings was a considerable drop in sales across vendors following price increases, resulting in fewer client visits. Despite their resourcefulness, vendors have challenges due to limited government assistance, which frequently forces them to rely primarily on their own abilities. Based on these findings, the study recommends that governments and NGOs enhance their support for vendors. It is also recommended that vendors revamp their communication strategies regarding price fluctuations and that future researchers broaden the scope of their exploration to include a more diverse range of vendors and community members.