ISME is encouraging customers to incorporate supporting local Irish businesses to their celebrations this St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
By choosing “Think Green and Buy Irish”, shoppers can make a real difference in sustaining small businesses, maintaining jobs and strengthening communities across Ireland.
Purchasing locally made products, supporting small businesses and shopping locally can all have a significant impact.
Studies show that for every euro spent on Irish-produced goods, up to four euros of additional wealth can be generated within the local economy.
Shopping locally ensures that more money stays within the community, helping communities to thrive.
This St. Patrick’s Day, ISME is calling on consumers to dedicate a portion of their holiday spending to brick-and-mortar Irish businesses or Irish-owned online stores.
Every small decision to shop locally contributes to job creation and business survival.
‘Keep Ireland’s Economy Thriving’
Ahead of the long weekend, chief executive of ISME Neil McDonnell said, “Ireland’s economy is highly open, meaning a large share of consumer spending goes towards imported goods.
“This limits the flow of wealth within our own communities.
“By making a conscious effort to spend even a portion of our budget locally, we can amplify the economic benefits – ensuring that each euro spent generates two, three or even four times its value within our towns and villages.
“This St. Patrick’s Dat, let’s support the restaurants, bars, hotels and retailers, the small businesses that keep Ireland’s economy thriving.”
To help consumers choose Irish this weekend and beyond, ISME has developed two online portals – one for shoppers and one for businesses.
The consumer portal offers a range of categories such as activities and entertainment, fashion, food and drink, retail and Irish breaks, offering a wide range of options on where to spend money locally this St. Patrick’s Day.
There is also an option where businesses can access a directory of B2B products and services encompassing corporate gifts, legal and financial services, IT and marketing, transport, training and more.
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