Visa has urged consumers to shop with small businesses in their community, in store or online, this Christmas.
New research from Visa reveals that 76% of consumers will make a conscious effort to shop local following the relaxing of Covid-19 restrictions to level three last week.
Visa said its research found that 86% of consumers are worried about the future of local businesses in their community.
73% are concerned about potential local job losses, while 70% fear an increase of empty shops and premises in their locality.
It said that consumers are determined to play their part in supporting their local businesses with 52% of the public saying they will do most, if not all, of their shopping with local stores this Christmas.
It noted that the Small Firms Association has estimated that if every consumer spent €50 with a small business, it would deliver a €180m boost to the local economy at a crucial time.
The research shows that 66% of consumers have noticed that local businesses have adapted their services to offer online shopping as well as investing in safety measures.
74% said they had increased peace of mind shopping in local businesses because they had installed plexi-glass and staff were wearing face coverings to keep shoppers safe.
44% of consumers also said they are also more confident shopping locally because they can pay with contactless by card or smartphone when in-store, the research also found.
Philip Konopik, Ireland Country Manager at Visa, said that shopping locally is simply a convenient way to purchase goods and services for many consumers.
But for local business owners, it is the lifeline they rely on, especially in these challenging times.
"The festive season is a crucial trading period, so we're asking the public to consider doing more of their Christmas shopping with local businesses, either in-store or online, and help to provide a vital boost to our local communities," he added.
Visa is continuing its partnership with Champion Green, an initiative backing Irish jobs and enterprise, supported by Kilkenny Design and Visa, as well as business groups Retail Excellence, the Small Firms Association, and Chambers Ireland.
