‘Tis the Season to #shopkilkenny

This week saw the launch of a new #shopkilkenny initiative which is designed to raise awareness of the many businesses on our doorstep this Christmas and remind shoppers that where we direct our spending shapes the future of where we live. 

When we shop locally, more money is circulated closer to home. This not only creates jobs but also creates a multiplier effect. According to ISME, every €10 spent locally on Irish products generates €24 of benefit to the local community. Therefore, keeping it local not only impacts directly on job security for family and friends, but also ensures the livelihood of our community.

As local retailers look forward to the festive season with optimism, there are also concerns about the increasing trend towards online shopping, particularly given that close to 75% of online consumer spending today leaves our shores. With this in mind, shoppers are reminded that more and more Kilkenny businesses now offer online shopping facilities too.

However, while some may prefer browsing online, research indicates that more than half of us prefer the physical act of shopping. The #shopkilkenny campaign urges people to make a conscious effort to check out the impressive range of diverse and unique offerings available from local stores and service providers against the magical backdrop of Yulefest Kilkenny. In doing so, shoppers can soak up the festive atmosphere and enjoy a personalised service, easy returns and the feel-good factor of supporting local. After all, it is local businesses that create local jobs, support local clubs, give back to local charities and run local events, and in doing so, they create more opportunity for us all.

Yulefest Kilkenny is also encouraging visitors and locals to experience all that Kilkenny has to offer by combining shopping with festival activities and events. To this end, Paula Lawler, Festival Manager is calling on local businesses to create in-house events which focus on delivering memorable Christmas shopping experiences for inclusion on the YulefestKilkenny.ie website. “Many local retailers and businesses have exciting things planned. One example is ‘Stocking Filler Friday’ which will take place on Friday 14th December, whereby participating outlets will offer a range of unique and fun stocking fillers to wow your family this Christmas.”

“Christmas sales will soon hit fever pitch, and local businesses are stepping up. We would like to ask readers to consider supporting local businesses and local jobs this Christmas. As a location we have an impressive selection of retail businesses that are vital to the economic and social fabric of Kilkenny, and we all play a part in their survival” added John Hurley, CEO of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce.

The #shopkilkenny Christmas Campaign is supported by Yulefest Kilkenny, Kilkenny County Council, Local Enterprise Office Kilkenny, Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce, Kilkenny Tourism and individual retailers and small businesses.