- Weekend weather likely to affect shopping numbers
- ISME launch Survey on recent Shop Local Campaign
- The Work Christmas Party – Employers take care!
With 11 days until Christmas, ISME, the Irish SME Association today (14th December) is appealing to Irish consumers to stay local and avoid unnecessary journeys as Met Eireann has announced a Status Yellow wind warning for this weekend. The Association is also issuing come advice on Christmas Parties, and has launched a survey to evaluate its shop local campaign.
Commenting on the importance of shopping local, ISME CEO Neil McDonnell said:
“Undoubtedly, this weekend’s weather will impact shopping numbers on what is one of the busiest shopping weekends of the calendar year. The Association appeals to Irish consumers to continue to support local producers, manufacturers, and retailers by shopping and dining local.
Every €10 spent locally on Irish products generates more than €40 of benefit to the local community in employment terms. The retail sector employs more people than any other sector in the Irish economy.”
Regarding advice for Christmas Parties, ISME HR Advisor Mark O’Connor said:
“We are all aware that Christmas Parties are great opportunities for teams to unwind at the end of a long year, but they are also events where “harmless banter” can turn into offensive behaviour. It is important that individuals conduct themselves in a manner they will not regret the next day.
At all times, the dignity and respect of work colleagues must be respected. Employers must be clear with employees that, even though parties take place outside office hours, everyone, including managers, is expected to behave in a manner that is consistent with company values.”
ISME Shop Local Survey
ISME is running a survey on its recent shop local campaign, which you can complete by clicking here
Our regional campaign has highlighted a number of issues for small retailers.
Speaking on the recent Shop Local Campaign, ISME Marketing Executive Ciara Whooley said:
“There is an increased demand for Irish gifts and craft products in the run up to Christmas. But online shopping is still seen as a cheaper, more convenient way of Christmas shopping for many consumers. Although this is not always the case, Irish retailers need to accommodate changing consumer habits, and get online to claim their piece of the Christmas cake.
Towns and villages which host Christmas events such as Santa Grottos, Christmas Markets or simply Christmas Shopping Nights, demonstrate an increased awareness of the importance of shopping local.”
With only two weekends to Christmas and bad weather ahead, ISME is encouraging Irish consumers to rally behind their local communities and Shop Local for those last few presents on the Christmas list
ENDS.
For further information, please contact
Wayne Tobin
T: 01 6622755,
