Formation of an accessible environment in retail trade: impact on the inclusive development of small enterprises

Skrylnyk, Andrii

National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic» Vitalii Hrytsayenko Avenue, 24, Poltava, 36011, Ukraine

Skrylnyk, A. (2025) Formation of an accessible environment in retail trade: impact on the inclusive development of small enterprises. Socio-Economic Problems and the State (electronic journal), Vol. 33, no. 2, pp. 154-165. URL: http://sepd.tntu.edu.ua/images/stories/pdf/2025/25sasose.pdf

Scientific Journal "Socio-Economic Problems and the State"

2(33)

Dec-2025

Oct-2025

1-Jan-2026

Ternopil Ivan Puluj National Technical University

UA

Ternopil

https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9622-4217

https://doi.org/10.33108/sepd2025.02.154

339.37:005.96

L81
L26
M31
O35
D63
J14

accessibility design
inclusive development
small business
retail trade
universal design
barrier-free environment
inclusive practices

12

154-165

154

165

The article examines accessibility design in retail trade and its significance for the inclusive development of small enterprises. The subject of the study is the principles of creating an accessible and barrier-free environment in line with the concept of inclusive economic development and their impact on customer base, financial performance, and business reputation. The purpose of the paper is to assess this impact and to develop practical recommendations for enhancing the inclusivity of small retail businesses. The methodology combines a systematic review of literature and statistical data, synthesis of survey results, and analysis of case studies of stores adapted for mobility-impaired customers. A comparative analysis of national accessibility standards and international best practices was performed. This interdisciplinary approach allows a comprehensive assessment of the multidimensional effects of accessibility. The findings indicate a positive impact of accessibility on small businesses. Implementing universal design principles helps expand the customer base (including people with disabilities and the elderly), increase sales, and improve reputation. Growth in service innovation and greater customer loyalty were also identified as significant outcomes. However, fewer than one-third of small stores apply barrier-free practices: the main barriers are limited resources, lack of awareness, and skepticism about the value of these changes. The conclusions emphasize the practical value of the study: accessibility design should be seen as a strategic direction for small retail business development. Recommendations for entrepreneurs include gradually introducing barrier-free solutions (e.g., installing ramps, adapting websites to WCAG standards, offering multichannel services). The role of the state in promoting inclusive practices through financial incentives and training is highlighted. The results demonstrate that investment in accessibility positively affects business outcomes and contributes to a more equitable society. Research findings and practical evidence demonstrate that investments in accessibility not only improve business performance-through higher sales volumes, an expanded customer base, and enhanced consumer loyalty-but also create sustainable long-term competitive advantages.

The authors received no direct funding for this research.

http://elartu.tntu.edu.ua/handle/lib/50929

2223-3822

Scientific Journal "Socio-Economic Problems and the State"

http://sepd.tntu.edu.ua/images/stories/pdf/2025/25sasose.pdf
https://www.helsinki.org.ua/articles/zabezpechennya-dostupnosti-sporud-dlya-lyudej-z-invalidnistyu/
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/875-12
https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/go/821-2024-%D1%80
http://www.economy.nayka.com.ua/?op=1&z=10032
https://adata.org/research_brief/research-brief-small-business-and-ada
https://sup.org.ua/blog/bezbar-iernist-na-praktytsi-ne-skladno-a-neobkhidno/
https://doi.org/10.25264/2311-5149-2019-15(43)-48-52
https://doi.org/10.15276/ETR.02.2023.1
https://nayka.com.ua/index.php/ee/article/view/1837
http://doi.org/10.32702/2307-2105.2024.1.47
https://doi.org/10.33042/2522-1809-2020-2-155-75-82
https://doi.org/10.32347/2076-815x.2023.82.350-363
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/inclusive-accessible-product-design-disabilities/
https://rau.ua/novyni/biznes-maie-znati-pro-inkljuzivnist/

https://hmarochos.kiev.ua/2021/11/26/dostupno-ua-oczinyly-naskilky-bezbaryernymy-ye-ukrayinski-mista-rejtyng/

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Article

Scientific Journal "Socio-Economic Problems and the State", Vol.33, No.2