The importance of shopping local in order to support businesses through the COVID crisis has been driven home many times in recent months.
ShopBallinasloe has been a highly successful initiative to support businesses in the town, creating an online marketplace so people can shop local for goods and services from the comfort and safety of their homes.
ShopBallinasloe was created by marketing agency Araya Marketing Support Services and Kickstart Web Design back in April, as the country went into lockdown for the first time.
Now, in the run up to the Christmas season, which is always important for businesses, they has launched a new Town Voucher for ShopBallinasloe which can be used in any of the over 100 businesses taking part.
“We are so fortunate to have the support and backing of Galway County Council, Ballinasloe Area Development Association, and Ballinasloe Credit Union helping us with funding to launch the voucher, so we can keep our community in business and in turn ensuring local activities are supported,” said Niamh and Honoria of Araya.
“It’s shop local at its very best, with over 100 businesses participating across a wide selection of different categories, there is something for everyone in the town and there is no need to shop elsewhere.”
The team are also encouraging employers who operate performance related payment and bonuses for their staff to consider gifting them Town Vouchers.
Under the Small Benefits Exemptions Scheme, employers can reward employees up to €500 in Town Vouchers, completely tax-free and saving them and their employees money.
Currently available through Salmons Department Store, Dolans Centra and www.ShopBallinasloe.ie. the vouchers come in denominations of €10, €20 and €50.
They are available all year round, making them the ideal gift option for any occasion as well as ideal prizes for Raffles, Draws, Golf Classics and Table Quiz’s.
