LIMERICK people are being asked to spend locally this Christmas and support small businesses as the shopping season hits fever pitch.
Amongst those making the call is Limerick Chamber chief executive Dee Ryan who said that Limerick shoppers could go long way to supporting the independent retailers of the city and county and in turn this would support jobs and businesses.
The Irish Small Firms Association said that the strong economy and rising employment rates across the country will raise consumer spirits and enable greater spending power over this year’s busy Christmas shopping period.
SFA director Sven Spollen-Behrens explained that “if each adult spent just €20 extra in small businesses this Christmas, this would amount to an injection of over €73 million for small Irish firms and would have a huge, positive impact on local jobs and the vibrancy of town and village centres.
“Small business must take every opportunity to offer the widest possible range of goods at the most competitive prices if they are to attract as many Christmas shoppers as possible. Today’s shoppers are very value-conscious and there are great deals to be had in small businesses around the country.
“Retail employs more people in Ireland than any other sector of the economy. Consumers should think about this when making their Christmas shopping decisions, as this time of year is make or break for many small retailers. We are calling on consumers to shop locally in small businesses and buy Irish products,” he said.
