Fine Gael TD for Dún Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has encouraged the people of Dún Laoghaire to shop local this Christmas, saying that the festive period is a great opportunity to support local retailers.

“I encourage everyone in Dún Laoghaire to shop local this Christmas. Now that the lights are up and we are heading towards December people are starting to think about their Christmas shopping. I do hope that when they make their lists and check them twice that they remember to support their local retailers.

I also commend Retail Excellence Ireland for their upcoming event ‘Small Business Saturday’ which takes place on Saturday, 6^th December. This seeks to highlight the importance of small businesses to local communities and encourage people to support them.

The retail sector employs 272,000 people across Ireland, most of whom are in small businesses. Supporting local business obviously benefits your community as a whole. Successful local retailers can create jobs for local people which ensures that there is more cash flow in the community to support other small local businesses in turn. Retail Excellence Ireland estimate that every €1 spent in a local shop is worth €4 to the local economy.

Small businesses also make for vibrant main streets in towns and villages throughout Ireland and so it is in all our interests to support them. Let’s all ensure we remember our local retailers this Christmas.”