Shoppers have been urged to go Irish this Christmas.

Shoppers urged to go Irish this Christmas

By Katie O’Keeffe

A national organisation is calling on Cork shoppers to get involved and ‘Get the G Under the Tree’ this Christmas.

Guaranteed Irish is calling out to all consumers out there to make sure they are buying products with that Guaranteed Irish symbol on it, so they know they are genuinely supporting businesses who are based in Ireland and jobs and Irish communities.

“It’s keeping money in the local economy as well as jobs. By buying from local businesses of course they are reducing the carbon footprint and can also rely on the delivery time as there’s no overseas travel with the package.” That’s how Chief Executive of Guaranteed Irish Brid O’Connell explained why getting the G under the tree is so important.

A revamped website that aims to drive traffic and sales to genuine Irish makers and producers, GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie showcases the best of locally based businesses throughout the country with hundreds of local gift ideas from corporate gifts to personalised presents.

Brid says costumers will be shocked by the range of products available: “I think people will be blown away by the variety of choice on the website. It’s not the stereotypical ‘diddly aye’ products, they are really sophisticated and contemporary products which we have really gone out of our way to make sure to we are showcasing those modern edgy products made in Ireland that are receiving attention on the global stage.”

Small businesses which were thriving last year as people made an effort to support the local economy, are now struggling with the focus again on international purchases and deliveries. So this Christmas, Guaranteed Irish want to put the spotlight back on smaller Irish businesses. Every €20 spent in your local community is worth €100 to the Irish economy, they say.

“Just buying one or two gifts with the Guaranteed Irish label will do wonders for the local economy especially in a time where things are uncertain in the economy. It’s a way people can help keep the money at home and the jobs in our communities,” Brid explained.

GuaranteedIrishGifts.ie has relaunched with a fresh new look and feel with the ambition to further improve shoppers’ user experience. The website features hundreds of Guaranteed Irish gift ideas including artisan food and drink, beauty and skincare, corporate gifts, design and crafts, textiles, homeware, interiors and much more.

The website runs alongside the new @GuaranteedIrishOfficial Pinterest page, which is perfect for creating your wish list, and just in time for the festive period!

Guaranteed Irish is encouraging consumers to check off their shopping list locally this Christmas by looking out for businesses that carry the trusted Guaranteed Irish symbol (g) in stores and online. By gifting Guaranteed Irish this year, people can play their role in supporting local jobs, local businesses, and real communities across Ireland.

Guaranteed Irish currently backs over 1,600 members, employing 100,000+ people across Ireland, generating an annual combined Irish turnover of €12.9bn.

Guaranteed Irish member businesses include Boxable, Heidi Higgins, Rathborne 1488, Original Irish Hotels, Parcel Concierge, Celtic Tweed, Spas.ie, Magee 1866, Allgo, Boru Jewlery, Sheridan's Cheesemongers, Aoife Lifestyle, Arnua and many more.