USING THE AHP METHOD TO EVALUATE LAUNDROMAT STORE LOCATION SELECTION: A CASE STUDY IN BANGKOK METROPOLITAN REGION

Abstract

Consumer behaviors are changing fast as everyday life is becoming more and more competitive. For this reason, the lifestyle of living has changed to a more urban society, especially in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. People who live or work in an urban society, tend to be often in a hurry. This is the reason why many people have become increasingly interested in using laundry services. The key to success in business will always depend on many key factors. One of these is the location selection factor. This study investigates the selection of a suitable location for opening a laundry shop in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region via a multi-criteria decision process (Multi-Criteria Decision Making: MCDM) analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). It was found that the top nine important criteria were 1) population density, 2) average housing prices in the area, 3) number of parking spaces, 4) rental fees, 5) number of competitors, 6) ease of access, 7) surrounding environment, 8) distance from the main road, and 9) distance from schools and universities. Four locations were selected for the study, namely Chatuchak District, Soi Phahonyothin 24; Bang Khen District, Phahon Yothin Road; Bangkapi District, Soi Ramkhamhaeng 24; and Lat Krabang District, Soi Lat Krabang 46. From the study, it was found that Soi Lat Krabang 46 was the best alternative for setting up a laundromat store.