Car Tourismo Banner
Home » Regional » Shannon » Public urged to shop local this Christmas

Public urged to shop local this Christmas


MEMBERS of the Shannon area Fianna Fáil organisation are urging people in the locality to think of local jobs and have launched a campaign to encourage everyone to consider shopping local and buying Irish this Christmas.
At a recent meeting in the Oakwood Arms Hotel, concern was expressed at the closure of shops during the year in the SkyCourt Shopping Centre and the difficulties facing many of the traders in the centre, who have seen a serious downturn in business in recent years.
This worry is shared in many other towns and villages throughout Ireland, where local shops and businesses are competing with shops in the North or the attractions of buying from abroad over the internet.
In an effort to focus attention on the goods and services available locally and the return to the economy when buying Irish goods, this Friday will see members and friends gather in the SkyCourt Centre to promote a Shop local-Buy Irish campaign.
Ted Germaine, chairperson of Shannon Comhairle Cheantair stressed the importance of thinking of the purchasing power in everyone’s pockets.
“We want to encourage people to look first to their local shops for Christmas presents and other supplies before going further afield. Shoppers will be surprised at the range of goods and other services available in their locality and can save a lot of time and energy by checking these out first.
“We should also remember that local traders provide employment and that much of the money spent in these businesses goes back into the local economy,” explained Mr Germaine.
While this campaign will launch in Shannon, people are being asked to consider the range of shops and services in their own locality.
“People can generally find a wide range of shops and services practically on their doorstep and there can be a very positive impact from just switching a couple of purchases. Often there can be a perception that things cannot be found in nearby shops or that they will be more expensive, whereas the opposite might be the case,” acknowledged Mr Germaine.
In addition to urging people to shop local, the campaign, which launches at 5.30pm, also urges shoppers to think about buying Irish-produced and Irish-made products, which will generate income in the economy and help to protect Irish jobs.
“The Buy Irish campaign estimates that every €4 extra spent on Irish goods can generate 6,000 jobs. If everyone were to make a particular effort to switch at least one item in each shopping basket to an Irish product, the effect on unemployment would be very noticeable,” he added.
Fianna Fáil members will hand out stickers to shoppers to encourage them to shop local and to promote the purchase of Irish-made products where possible.
The possibility of setting up a Facebook page has also been discussed, as it is felt this could further promote this campaign in a novel and fun way to appeal to a wide audience.
“We want people to actively think about where they buy groceries, gifts and services and to make sure they consider putting Irish goods in their basket. This will have a significant impact and is a positive response to the challenges facing us all,” emphasised Mr Germaine.

About News Editor

Check Also

A fresh spin on local sport

WITH Spring in the air, the Ballycasey based Clare Cricket Club will be getting back …