A business programme aimed at supporting retail in Limerick through the Covid-19 shutdown and its aftermath, has been launched by Limerick City and County Council.
The local authority is to offer a range of initiatives, including a 'Shop Limerick' online listing of Limerick businesses open for trading, and help for those that do not already have e-commerce retail capabilities.
The initiative is being run in partnership with the Limerick Local Enterprise Office and Limerick Chamber.
Retailers are asked to declare their interest in the free Shop Limerick platform on Limerick.ie, which will be launched shortly.
The move is in response to the crisis that many retailers now face after a first quarter that has already been decimated by Covid-19 restrictions and with the impact likely to continue well into the summer.
The Shop Limerick platform will be accompanied by digital marketing training and mentoring, including help and support on how to sell through established e-commerce platforms such as Shopify.
Local businesses who want to go online or to improve their online offering will be connected with local specialists and service providers who can provide that assistance.
Training will also be given on how to create short marketing videos, as well as social media boot camps and webinars for local businesses about cash flow management and how to get their business through Covid-19.
Companies who are interested in taking up the offer are asked to register their interest online at www.Limerick.ie/Business.
Announcing the initiative, Mayor of Limerick Cllr Michael Sheahan said that it is further evidence of Limerick standing together at this extraordinary time. "This is an incredibly difficult time for business, particularly for retail. For the vast bulk of them, their activity has come to a sudden halt and for those who are not already set up to sell online, this is devastating for their business. This is all about supporting local and supporting jobs.
Dee Ryan, CEO, Limerick Chamber said, "Limerick retailers give our city, towns and villages their distinct personality, it's crucial that we do everything we can to protect that.
She said the initiative will make it easy for Limerick shoppers to keep the benefit of their spend local now when we need to more than ever. "No one who wants to be involved will be left behind, we have loads of support to offer businesses so please sign up."
Ann O’Donnell retailer, O’Donnell boutique Catherine Street, said no one could have foreseen what has happened "and to have the shutters pulled down, both practically and metaphorically, recently has been a huge financial shock but also very traumatic for local retailers.
"They are small businesses, have employees they care for, customers they care for and who have great loyalty to them and, in most instances, have families themselves."
She said the initiative could help them get through this very difficult time but it could have a very positive and lasting legacy.
