A campaign which profiles small business and encourages consumers to shop locally and support jobs and enterprises in their respective communities, known as Small Business Saturday, takes place this Saturday, December 5th.
Supported by Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), the campaign provides local businesses with the collateral that they need to inform consumers on the power of their local spend.
REJUVENATION OF SMALL TOWNS
Lynn Drumgoole, head of Public Affairs with REI, this week said, “Small Business Saturday is an idea, started in the US but growing in momentum across the world and we are delighted to support it here in Ireland. It is about letting consumers know that if they shop local, then they support local jobs and businesses. We’re asking consumers to connect with their local businesses, to support them and their communities. 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.”
“There are over 278,000 people working in the retail industry across Ireland with the majority of these employed in small local stores. Shopping locally supports these jobs because every €1 spent in a small local store is worth €4 to that local economy in terms of supported employment and giving that business the opportunity to continue to operate year round.”
“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. A small change in spending by consumers into their local town can have a hugely positive impact. We are excited about the increased interest in Small Business Saturday and look forward to driving this initiative in the years ahead,” she concluded.
