Retail Excellence Ireland (REI) has announced its support of December 5th as Small Business Saturday, as a way of encouraging customers to shop locally and boost businesses in their communities.
Head of Public Affairs with REI, Lynn Drumgoole explained that while Small Business Saturday is a concept and social media campaign that began in the US, it is an idea that is growing worldwide.
“It is about letting consumers know that if they shop local, then they support local jobs and businesses,” she said.
“As we come to the Christmas Season, a vital period for local businesses, Small Business Saturday can play a major role in supporting jobs, businesses and ensuring that local towns thrive throughout the year.”
REI also says that with many of the 278,000 people working in the Irish Retail industry employed in small stores, shopping locally supports these jobs and every €1 spent in a local shop is worth €4 to the local economy.
“In REI we support the rejuvenation of small towns and Small Business Saturday complements our efforts to profile these smaller towns and encourage all citizens to support local business and employment,” Drumgoole added.
Photo of Athlone Town courtesy of William Murphy, 2008
© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Jenny Whelan.
