An Taoiseach and Retail Excellence have launched an awareness campaign at Government Buildings this week, to support local retailers on 'Small Business Saturday' which will take place on this coming weekend (2 December).
In a statement, the Ibec group that supports the Irish retail industry outlined that the initiative is originally an American concept.
This is the fourth year of the Irish campaign which 'profiles small businesses' and 'encourages consumers to shop locally'.
“It is important to recognise the massive impact small businesses have on our economy, both nationally and locally. With 37,400 businesses and 282,000 Irish jobs dependent on the industry initiatives like Small Business Saturday are crucial to encourage consumers to shop local and support retailers in Ireland". Lorraine Higgins, deputy CEO of Retail Excellence said.
"This initiative is critically important at a time when two-thirds of consumer spend online is fulfilled by businesses operating outside Ireland and in the face of falling excise figures recorded by the Department of Finance which is largely indicative of an increase in cross border shopping".
€10 Spent Locally Is Worth €40
Higgins outlined that retailers are struggling to compete which is exacerbated by the sizeable differential in business costs and the VAT rate applicable between the U.K. and here.
"With sterling consistently devaluing following Brexit, British businesses positive economies of scale and their competitive pricing it is clear the challenge to Irish retail is immense, " she added.
"That said, we want consumers to understand that their small change can make a big difference on Small Business Saturday in their local economy as €10 spent locally is worth €40 in terms of supported employment, supported communities and helping the business to continue to operate year round. So, we would urge everyone to support those retailers operating in Ireland on December 2 and for the remainder of the festive shopping period".
© 2017 - Checkout Magazine by Donna Ahern
