Shop Local – Not Just for Christmas campaign launched

The Irish SME Association (ISME) has today launched its ‘Shop Local – Not Just for Christmas’ campaign, highlighting the importance of supporting Irish businesses throughout the year.

ISME hopes that their members in Galway join the initiative and avail of the opportunity to promote their business free of charge.

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 Irish businesses in 2021.

Irish SMEs are currently facing significant pressure with business closures and other restrictions associated with Covid-19, further amplified by rising insurance costs and Brexit.

“It is more important than ever before to shop local, and this year we want to encourage consumers to continue to support Irish SMEs beyond the Christmas period and throughout 2021,” said Neil McDonnell, CEO of ISME.

“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.”

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% estimate that they have done most of their online shopping with Irish SMEs,” Neil added.

“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.”