The Irish SME Association (ISME) is calling on shoppers and businesses to Shop Local.
The campaign has been developed to promote products and services from SMEs across Ireland.
Neil McDonnell, chief executive at ISME, said: “Christmas 2022 will be the third successive year of challenging trading conditions for many Irish businesses. You can make a difference for many of those affected this year with your spending decisions. Save time, money, and the environment by keeping at least a portion of your festive spending local this Christmas.”
ISME has created two online portals – one for consumers and one for businesses.
Consumers can browse a variety of categories such as activities and entertainment, fashion, food and drink, retail, and Irish breaks which offer gift ideas for Christmas and showcases local businesses.
For businesses, they can access a directory of B2B products and services such as corporate gifts, legal and financial services, IT and marketing, transport, training and more.
Alan McGrath, chief executive of Health Stores Ireland, which represents over 100 health stores throughout the country, said independent shops expect a tightening up on basket and big-ticket spending.
He appealed to customers not to underestimate the power of even the smallest transaction with their local shops.
“Whether it’s a cup of coffee in a local café or a single low-cost item from a food specialist, everyone benefits from this interaction, both socially and economically, and the retention of a diverse and sustainable retail offering will be the ultimate end result,” said McGrath.
ISME member Siobhán Ni Ghairbith (pictured above), owner of St Tola Goat Cheese, commented: “Being a small family run business in rural Co. Clare, Shop Local is so important to our business as it keeps the circular economy going within our community, while customers enjoy our range of top-quality artisan cheeses and contribute to our sustainability plan by helping lower our carbon footprint.”
Laura Daly from Wines Direct added: “Wines Direct is a family-run company, committed to further engaging in the local community. This year we sponsored the first Mullingar Pride Parade, and endeavour to support more local causes as the years go on.
“We work with indie winemakers who have devoted themselves to sustainable and ethical winemaking. By supporting us, you support them and the local Mullingar community.”
To find out more about the campaign and to explore the businesses involved, click here.
Image: Siobhán Ni Ghairbith, owner of St Tola Goat Cheese
