Retail Excellence, the representative body for the retail industry in Ireland whose members employ 280,000 people around the country, has launched its 'Support Small Business' initiative.
Now in its seventh year, the initiative formerly known as ‘Small Business Saturday’, profiles small businesses and encourages consumers to shop locally and support jobs and enterprises in their respective communities.
Up to now, the initiative focused on the first Saturday in December, but this year due to the effect of Covid-19 on the retail industry, ‘Support Small Business’ is urging people to shop local throughout the month.
Announcing the initiative, Duncan Graham, Managing Director of Retail Excellence said that small retail businesses are the lifeblood of the Irish economy.
"This year has dealt them a body-blow. Retailers have been shut for a third of the year due to Covid-19 restrictions, so the ‘Support Small Business’ initiative now has more resonance than ever.
"We are so thankful for the support that people have shown Irish businesses this year particularly online and for 'Green Friday', and now is the chance to shine a light on the smaller businesses that need every helping hand possible," he said.
Mr Graham reminded consumers that every purchase makes a difference.
"Every time you spend money with a local retailer, it has a four-fold impact on the local economy, which helps boost employment and keep businesses afloat.
"Thousands of businesses are desperately fighting for survival after a horrific 2020 so now is the time to dig deep for them," he said.
