LIMERICK retailers are being asked to join the ‘Shop Local – Not Just for Christmas’ campaign launched by small business group ISME which highlights the importance of supporting Irish businesses throughout the year.
ISME hopes that their members in Limerick offering business to business services, consumer products and services across the retail, hospitality and personal grooming sectors will join this initiative and avail of the opportunity to promote their business free of charge.
Every €10 spent on Irish products generates more than €40 of benefit for related businesses, which highlights the importance of shopping local to maintain employment in local communities.
As businesses face into the Christmas shopping period, ISME is encouraging consumers to not only shop locally this festive season, but to make a conscious effort to continue to support local businesses throughout the coming year.
Small businesses are facing significant pressure with closures and other restrictions associated with Covid-19 and this is further amplified by rising insurance costs and Brexit.
ISME chief executive Neil McDonnell said the purpose of the campaign was to encourage consumers to continue to support Irish SMEs beyond the Christmas period and throughout 2021.
“The difficulties faced by Irish businesses since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic are very serious, and SMEs have had to make significant investments in enabling online offerings, purchasing equipment, and implementing procedures to adhere to Government guidelines, including screens, PPE and outdoor dining facilities,” he explained.
“ISME is encouraging Irish consumers to think of the bigger picture when supporting Irish businesses. As well as employing local people, SMEs also carry a high percentage of locally produced goods and revenue and employment is generated in other local services and suppliers and other small firms.
“Since March, Irish consumers have largely moved away from international online shopping, as 53 per cent estimate that they have done most of their online shopping with Irish SMEs. Buying Irish-made goods and services helps to ensure their quality, traceability, and value-for-money. Over the coming months, we are calling on Irish consumers to continue this trend and make that effort to shop locally, both online and in person,” Mr McDonnell concluded.
Read the Limerick Post Newspaper’s guide to local retailers HERE
