Longest-established Mayo newspaper launches 'Shop Local' campaign this Christmas

THE Connaught Telegraph has launched a campaign to send out the resounding message: ‘Shop Local this Christmas’.

‘Shop Local’ is an initiative by The Connaught Telegraph and Castlebar Chamber of Commerce to raise awareness of the many local businesses in the town and the region, as highlighted by its special front page in this week's issue promoting local businesses.

The newspaper, established in 1828, is asking its readers and online audience to support our local businesses when shopping this December.

The message also includes asking local businesses to play their part in making this ‘Shop Local’ campaign a success.

“Keeping your shopping spend local supports jobs and the local economy,” said John Mulroy, president of Castlebar Chamber of Commerce.

“In Castlebar, for example, the Chamber of Commerce has worked hard to promote the idea of a local shopping experience.

“We have a full variety of shops, restaurants, bars and local retail businesses that offer all that you will find anywhere else in the country and, importantly, we also have Mayo On Ice again this year, an ice skating experience for all the family.”

An increase in awareness to shop local this Christmas will help keep more money in our towns and will help strengthen our local economies and communities.

This helps to maintain and create more local jobs and strengthens local business groups and organisations.

“While we need to support this initiative and promote this message for December it is hoped that the awareness to keep our shopping spend local is one that runs throughout the year,” said Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, cathaoirleach, Castlebar Municipal District.