The Impact of the Revitalization of the Kesawan Old Town Area in Medan on the Sales Turnover and the Welfare of MSME Actors

Abstract

This study aims to determine the impact of the revitalization of the Kesawan Old Town area in Medan on the sales turnover and the welfare of MSME actors. The type of research used is comparative method with quantitative approach and descriptive analysis with qualitative approach. The population used in this study were MSME actors in the Livelihood Activities and Micro Enterprise culinary groups in the Kesawan Old Town area in Medan. Data collection techniques were carried out by observation, interviews, documentation, and also distributing questionnaires. The sampling technique used non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling approach and used 50 respondents as a sample of the study. Data analysis was carried out using non-parametric statistical analysis, namely the wilcoxon signed ranks test with the help of the SPSS program. The results showed that there were differences in sales turnover and welfare before and after the revitalization of the area, in terms of increase. Overall, MSME actors expressed satisfaction with the condition of the area after revitalization, which has become nicer, tidier, cleaner, has a better arrangement, and presents many interesting photo spots. The increase in turnover is due to the increasing number of visitors, especially during Saturday night, Car Free Day, religious holiday celebrations, and government promotions on social media. In terms of welfare, MSME actors felt significant changes, including comfort and tranquility in business activities because the area became cleaner, brighter, and there was no flooding, some MSME actors experienced an increase in income, an increase in business assets, and an increase in personal assets obtained from selling in the Kesawan Old Town area in Medan after the revitalization of the area.