Shoppers urged to support local businesses

The Mayor of Galway, Councillor Decal McDonnell, said it was vital that Galway people support local businesses in the run up to Christmas.  

Speaking at the launch of ‘Shop Galway This Christmas’ campaign which is backed by the Galway City Business Association and Galway Chamber, Councillor McDonnell said ‘Now, more than ever, it is vital that we support our local businesses this Christmas because if we don’t then local jobs will be put at risk.” 

Galway Chamber and Galway City Business Association have come together to launch the ‘Shop Galway This Christmas’ campaign. Both organisations represent businesses throughout Galway and they stress the importance of supporting local businesses at this crucial time for trading. 

The initiative was formally launched by the Mayor at a Chamber ‘Business After Hours’ function in Brown Thomas on Thursday last.‘Over 18,000 people work in the retail, hospitality and entertainment industries in Galway and it is vital that we do all we can to support local businesses’, said Paul Shelley, President of Galway Chamber.  

‘These people are our friends, our family and our neighbours and without the support of the local community their jobs are seriously threatened’. 

Speaking on behalf of the Galway City Business Association, Dave Hickey said, ‘The lure of cross-border or internet shopping appears attractive but local businesses provide quality, convenience and service on our doorsteps. In addition, the value offered in many local outlets matches or exceeds that available online. 

‘The key message is: If you’re going to spend then spend locally’, he said. 

Welcoming the fact that the two associations have united for this campaign, Councillor McDonnell said, ‘The flooding and poor weather of the last week have not only caused significant damage to many businesses in the run up to what should be their busiest time, it has also prevented people from getting out to shop as we approach the Christmas Season’. 

The campaign is not confined to the retail sector. Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and hotels are all offering superb value locally and should be supported wherever possible. 

The GCBA and Galway Chamber have designed posters which will be distributed around the city and which are also being sent to all members of each organisation who are being urged to support the campaign. A banner ad for use on websites is also available.  

The campaign will be backed up with advertisements in all the local papers and on Galway Bay FM as well as on all Bank of Ireland ATMs.