ISME is encouraging consumers across Ireland to make local businesses part of their Christmas plans this year. With the festive rush well underway, the organisation is highlighting the positive impact that local spending has on towns and villages, where every €1 spent locally on their Christmas shop could generate up to €4 in their community.
Choosing local shops, services and hospitality venues supports jobs, strengthens local economies and keeps main streets vibrant. ISME is asking shoppers to consciously direct part of their festive spending towards Irish retailers, whether on the high street or through Irish-owned online platforms, before turning to international chains for gifts that cannot be sourced locally.
Neil McDonnell, Chief Executive at ISME, said: “Independent businesses are central to the character and wellbeing of our communities. By opting to buy locally for even some of our Christmas shopping, we can deliver a meaningful boost to small businesses at a time of year that is vital for their survival. Local spending multiplies in value, supports employment and can even reduce the environmental impact associated with long-distance shipping. This Christmas, we are asking consumers to pause and consider the difference their choices can make to local retailers, cafés, service providers and family-run shops.”
To help people make local choices this Christmas, ISME has created two online portals – one for consumers and one for businesses. Consumers can browse a variety of categories such as activities and entertainment, fashion, food and drink, retail, and Irish breaks which offers gift ideas for Christmas and showcases local businesses. For businesses, they can access a directory of B2B products and services such as corporate gifts, legal and financial services, IT and marketing, transport, training and more.
