Support retailers by shopping local

Support retailers by shopping local

25 November 2020

PEOPLE across the district are being urged to shop local this Christmas — and safely.

While similar appeals have been made in the past to support local businesses, a senior politician believes that this has never been more important than this year, given the global pandemic.

The past eight months have been devastating for the local economy, with many shops preparing to close for two weeks at the close of business tomorrow as part of the circuit breaker measure.

Many shops in Downpatrick are remaining open until 9pm today and tomorrow, with local councillor Dermot Curran keen for people to shop locally.

He said businesses across the district which many people approach for support for various fundraising efforts during the year now need the public’s support more than ever.

Cllr Curran has also welcomed confirmation that Newry, Mourne and Down Council recognises the impact Covid-19 has had across the district and is planning to shortly launch its own ‘make it local campaign’ to support businesses in the run-up to Christmas.

He said people need to shop locally and to do so safely, adhering to public health advice by wearing a mask covering their mouth and nose and exercising social distancing.

“It is vitally important to keep the local economy open and for people to support it,” Cllr Curran declared.

“Everyone recognises that Christmas will be different this year and while supporting the economy is important, so too is ensuring that people stay safe.”

Cllr Curran described the new Covid-19 restriction measures as a “severe blow” to the local business community which has operated and followed all public health advice, but which will soon find itself in lockdown again “driving many to the cliff edge”.

He said the Federation of Small Businesses was urging people to shop local this Christmas and hoped shoppers will follow this advice.

“While doing so, it is necessary to wear a mask, keep your distance and wash your hands,” the politician continued, welcoming the financial support which the Northern Ireland Executive outlined on Monday for the business community.

Cllr Curran people may very well be thinking twice about trips to large retail centres, normally part of their traditional Christmas shopping routine. 

He said there was much to be said for shopping locally and supporting businesses which have been at the heart of the district’s economy for generations.

“Shopping locally retains consumer spend in the district, but also helps reduce fuel costs and car parking charges at a time of the year when increasing financial pressure is placed on the family budget. This has never been truer,” he said.

“Local businesses often offer as much value and choice as those in cities and in the run-up to what is not a normal Christmas, I urge people to support their local traders. Our family-owned and independent shops keep traditional, local products alive and local shops.

“In addition, shopping locally helps secure jobs and businesses which are well known for putting something back into their respective towns and villages by sponsoring community events and those organised by local schools and charities need our support this time.”

He added: “Spending our money locally is a critical component of effectively supporting our communities across the district. Our local shops are places for unrivalled personal service.

“Our businesses have a strong understanding of the communities where they are based and I hope that our support will see them through the traditionally difficult New Year months and that they could look forward to the remainder of next year with confidence. It is the very least that they deserve.”