Shoppers encouraged to think local on Small Business Saturday
THE Small Firms Association has named tomorrow ‘Small Business Saturday’ with the aim of encouraging Christmas shoppers to spend locally in small businesses.
According to SFA assistant director Linda Barry, retail sales are expected to exceed €4 billion in December, but much of this will be spent in large stores or online.
“The latest figures show that the value of online purchases increased by 20% in the last quarter to €1.2 billion. If each adult spent just €20 extra in small businesses this Christmas, this would amount to an injection of over €70 million for small Irish firms and would have a huge, positive impact on local jobs and the vibrancy of town and village centres,” she added.
“The first Saturday of December is traditionally a busy shopping day and consumers should use this weekend as an opportunity to focus on buying Irish and supporting their local businesses, as the Christmas celebrations can add a major economic impetus to the country, to small businesses and help maintain jobs.”
Mayo Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin has added her backing to the initiative, saying Small Business Saturday is the day to begin a special effort to support local businesses.
She said: “By shopping local, Mayo consumers are supporting local jobs, businesses and local economies. A small change in people’s spending can have a hugely positive impact to their local economy - €10 spent locally is worth €40 to that economy in terms of supporting employment, supporting communities, and giving the business the opportunity to continue to operate year round.
“We all know that it is the small local business owner we turn to again and again to sponsor the kit for the local team, for example, and to give to the local festival, which would not happen otherwise. In fact, more often than not he or she is the person volunteering on a hard-working local committee which brings real quality and value to the place we live.
“They deserve our support and now, in the spirit of the season which is fast approaching, is a great opportunity to do so. Let's proudly support our very own and experience the personal touch of shopping locally.”