ISME urges people to Shop Local and Buy Irish this Christmas
- Larger online retail giants pose a significant threat to the future of our towns
- Irish consumers need to support retailers and local businesses
- Irish manufacturers, producers and retailers are significant employers
- Quality, traceability and value for money key features of Irish products
- Brexit is a key reason why we must ensure money is spent in the local Irish economy
With four weekends until Christmas, ISME, the Irish SME Association today (29th November) is appealing to Irish consumers to make a national effort to ‘shop local’ and ‘buy Irish’ this Christmas. The Association notes that uncertain times lie ahead for Irish retailers as a result of Brexit, and is encouraging people to support indigenous business and SMEs.
Commenting on the importance of shopping local ISME CEO Neil McDonnell said:
“Every €10 spent locally on Irish products generates more than €40 of benefit to the local community in terms of employment. The retail sector employs more people than any other sector in the Irish economy.
Buying from locally owned businesses keeps money circulating closer to where you spend. Local shops use local services, accountants, insurance brokers, and suppliers, as well as employing local people and they also carry a higher percentage of locally produced goods.
By shopping locally we support our towns and villages and keep our butchers, jewellers, pharmacies, brewers, distillers, confectioners, post offices, fashion, electronics and hardware stores, and all our local shopkeepers in business. The impact of Brexit is one reason why we must ensure money is spent in the local Irish economy.”
Mr McDonnell added:
“Larger-online retail giants pose a significant threat to the future of many of our towns. While online shopping is a resource for many buyers, the importance of quality, traceability and value-for-money of Irish products should be remembered.”
“Supporting local businesses means you are supporting the ‘home-grown’ team and helping to keep the local economy moving. Buying locally means you will gift something unique, special, and more valued this Christmas.”
ENDS.
For further information, please contact
Wayne Tobin
T: 01 6622755,
