'Buy Irish' appeal this Christmas

ISME, the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association, has urged Irish consumers to 'think Irish and buy Irish' in the run-up to Christmas, highlighting that thousands of jobs in the retail and manufacturing sector are dependant on consumers shopping locally and buying locally produced products. Consumers can provide a real impetus to the domestic economy by buying the Irish alternative during their Christmas shopping and save jobs in the process, according to ISME chief executive, Mark Fielding. "Local retailers and suppliers are being adversely affected by the sharp reduction in consumer spending, with retail sales down a minimum of nine per cent on last year. For instance, every €10 spent locally generates a further €24 benefit to the local economy. If that €10 is spent outside the locality, it adds nothing to the local economy and further undermines the viability of businesses in the area and threatens the livelihoods of suppliers and others who rely on local businesses," he said. It is imperative that individuals realise that they can contribute to the health of their local economy and protect jobs for their family, neighbours, friends and even their own jobs by shopping locally, he continued. Mr Fielding warned of the major threat of individuals spending money outside of the local economy, across the border and even as far away as New York and Boston. It is estimated, for instance, that €700m alone is spent in shopping across the border. "This could contribute up to €2.4 billion to the Irish economy through the multiplier effect. Spending outside the State provides no benefit to the local or national economy, slows it down and puts severe pressure on the livelihoods of many families throughout the country," he said. Mr Fielding estimated that €90m will be spent daily by the public between now and Christmas. "If every consumer switched just one-tenth of their 'imported shopping' to Irish-produced goods, it would go a long way to sustaining Irish jobs after what has been a very difficult year. We are asking consumers, therefore, to shop locally and to look at purchasing the quality Irish product and in the process support local businesses," he added. "With job losses now at record levels and retailers and suppliers struggling to survive, it is vital that we support our own local enterprises during these difficult times. By buying Irish, we secure Irish jobs," the ISME chief said.