Author(s) :

Anya Lu.

Volume/Issue :

Abstract :

Although headline economic indicators suggested post-pandemic recovery, small businesses at the street level continued to face ongoing challenges. This study examined community-based businesses (CBBs) in Shanghai’s Meihua Road community, utilizing five rounds of storefront photography between 2022 and early 2026, and a questionnaire survey involving 12 shop managers in 2025. A three-dimensional framework of location, business type, and daily operations was employed to assess the resilience and policy needs of CBBs. Findings indicated that, despite macroeconomic recovery, the number of CBBs dropped sharply in 2025, accompanied by rising vacancies and deteriorating commercial conditions. Key hurdles included high rents, rising labor costs, and diminishing foot traffic. Consumption vouchers and community-driven marketing campaigns demonstrated tangible advantages for CBBs. To support the sustainability of CBBs, this study proposes targeted institutional relief from local governments, strategic spatial governance by community authorities, and adaptive operational optimizations by business operators.