- Brexit, larger retail giants, and online shopping 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
With two weekends until Christmas, ISME, the Irish SME Association today (11th December) is appealing to Irish consumers to make a national effort to ‘shop local’ and ‘buy Irish’ this Christmas. The Association has spoken on local radio around the country about the importance of shopping local this Christmas. ISME’s regional Shop Local Campaign has highlighted the need to rally behind our local entrepreneurs in the run up to Christmas.
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, they also carry a higher percentage of locally produced goods.
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 quality, traceability, and value-for-money of Irish products should be remembered.”
ISME Member Kilbaha Gallery, of Loop Head noted:
“Since we have opened the Gallery, we have been blown away by a hugely supportive community who never fail to turn up to shopping events and who always turn towards the gallery for that considered gift at Christmas. We have seen this increase consistently as we became more established over the years.”
ISME Marketing Executive spearheading the Shop Local Campaign Ciara Whooley added:
“Now is the time to rally behind our local entrepreneurs, support our towns and villages, and to help our local economies grow. Christmas is about experiences and memories; these are best created while shopping locally. Christmas is an expensive time for everyone, especially when we ‘panic purchase’ as the 25th looms ever closer. ISME has found significant value for money in local shops nationwide.
ISME members have also remarked that consumers are keen to keep local, in an effort to support their local businesses.”
ISME Member and Manager of Wicklow Street Clinic Dublin 2, Jenny Boyce stated:
“Irish consumers should remember they are supporting people, not shareholders, when they shop local.”
The Association notes that uncertain times lie ahead for Irish retailers as a result of Brexit, so we are encouraging people to support indigenous business and SMEs.
ENDS.
For further information, please contact
Wayne Tobin
T: 01 6622755,
