Shoppers in Ireland value the personal touch provided by local retailers and recognise the value they bring to communities, research shows.
The survey commissioned by Visa, has highlighted Irish shoppers’ affinity for their local retailers, with 82% of the public surveyed on first name terms with staff in a local store, and almost seven out of ten (68%) adults surveyed being so familiar with local retailers that staff know their order without having to ask.
This personalised shopping experience was highlighted by 58% of consumers questioned as one of the top reasons why they will shop locally this Christmas.
The research, which was published to coincide with the launch of Visa’s ‘Where You Shop Matters’ Christmas campaign in Ireland, also shows that almost half of Irish consumers who took part (49%) are more inclined to shop locally in the run up to Christmas.
Run Up To Christmas
Just over half of shoppers (52%) said they would make purchases in local businesses in the run up to Christmas, specifically to support local shopkeepers.
“Local retailers are at the heart of communities across Ireland, providing employment and acting as the driving force behind local economies," said Philip Konopik, Country Manager, Ireland at Visa.
"That’s why we’ve worked with our partners to launch our Where You Shop Matters campaign in Ireland and inspire people to support local retailers not just over the crucial festive period, but throughout the year.”
The research indicated that Irish consumers are also confident in the future of retail in their community, with six in ten surveyed (59%) stating that they are optimistic about the future of local businesses.
There is also a strong sense of pride in shopping locally, with 81% of Irish consumers questioned recognising that the biggest benefit of shopping locally is putting money back into the local economy.
© 2019 Checkout – your source for the latest Irish retail news. Article by Donna Ahern. Click subscribe to sign up for the Checkout print edition.
