Shopballinasloe.ie is a new online community marketplace connecting shoppers with their favourite local retailers, crafters, restaurants, jewellers, salons and many more around Ballinasloe and its hinterland. Although shop doors might be currently closed and times are uncertain for everyone, local businesses can now get online and continue trading in just a few easy steps with ShopBallinasloe.ie
With more than 50 local businesses already signed up to the free platform, shoppers can continue to buy locally and support their community on one site from the comfort and safety of their own home, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Shopballinasloe.ie hosts a wide variety of Irish products from lots of different local suppliers, allowing shoppers to browse across multiple products, services and selections and checkout in one single transaction with their order shipped from the supplier straight to their homes. ShopBallinasloe.ie is a joint initiative between local businesses marketing agency Araya Business Support Services (Honoria Mitchell Black, Niamh Creaven Connaughton ) and Kickstart Web Design (Joe Glennon, David Ansley ) who have been busy behind the scenes bringing this project to life in just a few weeks.
“This is great initiative with a simple clear message that highlights the need to buy local. The idea is simple, we are asking businesses and consumers in the Ballinasloe area to support the local economy, to attract new business and to help ensure our towns survives,” said Joe Glennon and David Ansley of Kickstart Web Design. ShopBallinasloe.ie launched on Friday, April 3, selling vouchers, but has now expanded to sell products. Shoppers can choose from the many wonderful Irish products on offer from local businesses such as Cahalan Jewellers, Kellers of Ballinasloe, The Front Room, Carol Kelly Artwork, Fletchers of Ballinasloe, J&S Photos, Wag‘n’Tails, Shearwater Hotel and many more.
“When you invest money in your local economy, you’re not just helping local business owners – you’re also helping yourself. You’re making your town a better place to live in, with a rich character, thriving economy, and tightly knit community. And the more local businesses prosper, the more new businesses will open, making it even easier to continue shopping locally in the future,” said Niamh Creaven Connaughton and Honoria Mitchell Black of Araya.
Already the initiative has gained great traction among local businesses and customers, and also from other towns who recognise the importance of supporting their own local businesses through the months ahead and securing a strong future.
The new online marketplace has been positively received by local shoppers and businesses alike, recognising that by embracing technology to enhance our community, there has never been a better time or a better reason to shop and support local.
