Dundalk FC manager Stephen Kenny and Chamber of Commerce Vice President Michael Gaynor with the Shop Local Voucher
Dundalk Chamber of Commerce last week launched the Shop Local Voucher, a retail incentive to encourage people to shop locally and to help boost the local economy.
Kindly supported by AIB Bank and The Argus, Chamber President Paddy Matthews said he would like to see employers, retailers and the general public support the initiative as he sees it as another important element in the drive to revitalise the town.
“This voucher scheme is a great incentive to help boost retail in Dundalk and surrounding areas particularly during the festive shopping period, special occasions such as Easter, birthdays, weddings and family occasions,” said Paddy.
“It will not only support local retailers, it will anchor local jobs and the Chamber hopes it will lead to a boost in employment in the retail sector also.”
Over 75 businesses in Dundalk and surrounding areas have already signed up to redeem the Shop Local Voucher and the Chamber would like many more to sign up to keep money in the town and also to give the purchaser a wide selection of businesses to choose from.
“In order for the voucher to truly work, we do need an additional commitment from businesses and employers who purchase vouchers, on behalf of their staff, at Christmas and throughout the year, to make a commitment to purchasing the Shop Local Gift Voucher.
“If Dundalk is to grow, then it is incumbent on everyone to make a pledge to buy and shop local through the purchase of the voucher,” commented Paddy.
The vouchers will come in denominations of €10, €25 and €50 and members of the public can buy them for friends and family for all occasions (birthdays, communions etc). Businesses can buy the vouchers as gifts for their employees (eg for Christmas or performance-related payments). Under the Revenue Commissioners approved ‘Small Benefit Exemption’ scheme, a company can award staff up to €250 as a once off payment that is tax free.
The vouchers will be available for purchase from Dundalk Chamber offices at unit 4 Partnership Court, The Ramparts, Dundalk. A list of participating businesses will be available at www.dundalk.ie/vouchers, and a printed list will also be provided at the point of purchase.
Companies who would like to buy these vouchers for their staff can do so by contacting Brenda or Lorraine in Dundalk Chamber on 042 93 36343 or by emailing brenda@dundalk.ie. Members of the public can also buy them by contacting the chamber on the number above.
Talk of the Town 