Support Small Business Saturday
A call has been made for 7 December to be known as ‘Small Business Saturday’ and a business lobby group has also called on people to support small businesses in their communities.
The idea is being backed by the Small Firms Association, among a number of others. The initiative is also supported and promoted by Retail Excellence, the largest retail representative body in Ireland. This is the sixth year of the Irish campaign.
SFA Director, Sven Spollen-Behrens, stated: “Our strong economy and rising employment rates across the country will raise consumer spirits and enable greater spending power over this year’s busy Christmas shopping period.”
He also said that if each adult in Cork county spent just €20 extra in small businesses this Christmas, this would amount to an injection of €6.1 million for the county’s economy which would have a huge, positive impact on local jobs and the vibrancy of town and village centres.
“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 all types of small businesses, online and in store, as the Christmas celebrations can add a major economic impetus to the country, to small businesses and help maintain jobs. Across the country, if each adult spent just €20 extra in small businesses this Christmas, this would amount to an injection of over €73 million for small Irish firms,” he said.
“Small business must take every opportunity to offer the widest possible range of goods at the most competitive prices if they are to attract as many Christmas shoppers as possible. Today’s shoppers are very value-conscious and there are great deals to be had in small businesses around the country.
Retail Excellence and An Taoiseach Leo Varadkar launched an awareness campaign this week. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said: “I am pleased to once again endorse Small Business Saturday, which is now in its sixth year. The idea is simple; if you want to back your local businesses, and in turn your local community, then shop local this Christmas. Your local shop or retailer has a unique appeal; they can offer you tailored local advice, as well as the best local goods and produce. By shopping local this Christmas, you can give your local businesses a year round boost.”
Commercial Director of Retail Excellence JP Kennedy said: “It is of vital importance that consumers understand the powerful impact they have on small businesses and retailers, both nationally and locally. With 37,400 businesses and 282,000 Irish jobs dependent on the retail industry, initiatives like Small Business Saturday are crucial to encourage consumers to shop local and support retailers in Ireland.”