The transition from traditional commerce to e-commerce and their effects on small-scale businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic

The world continues to experience the harsh effects of the COVID-19 pandemic as it changes more and more of the world around us as we know it. People have been subjected to a new normal as we live during these trying times, and people are adapting to change. Businesses are no exception to this, and have also been experiencing the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein they are also adapting to the new normal of such, which is mostly due to the reason of people not being able to go out of their homes due to safety reasons, hence businesses changing their business model to an online business model. Because of this, businesses would be equipped with the adequate knowledge and skills to adapt to such change; hence, this study aims to determine how businesses dealt with the transition from their traditional business model to an e-commerce business model, and what made them push for an online business model. A sample of 30 businesses were chosen to serve as the study’s respondents, and the data gathered from them were analyzed through the use of a thematic analysis and a narrative analysis. The study found out that business owners dealt with the transition in various ways such as changing their products, garnering experience, focusing on marketing, and changing their business model gradually. Furthermore, the study also found out that the reasons for businesses to pursue online business were also varying, as some found it as a necessity and others found it as an opportunity. This study provides timely and relevant information and implications for current and future business owners alike.