Chambers of Commerce in Mayo were urging consumers to shop local in the run up to Christmas. But now, more than ever, that message has a greater urgency. The message is clear: To protect jobs in Mayo shoppers must continue to spend their money in Mayo. In the Erris region alone a minimum of 371 people are employed in the retail sector. That’s according to the findings of a survey conducted by Erris Chamber of Commerce. Chamber president Derek Reilly has reiterated the shop local message and pointed out its aptness at any time of the year. Those jobs could be in jeopardy if local people choose to shop elsewhere, Mr Reilly has warned.
The New Year has got off to a pessimistic start with CSO figures published last week showing a 71 per cent increase in unemployment last year - the biggest 12-month increase since records began in 1967.
The CSO figures also show that the number of men on the dole has risen by 83 per cent while the number of women is up by 50 per cent compared with December 2007. There is also a 24 per cent rise in unemployment among under 25s.
However, the next round of CSO figures is expected to show an even bleaker picture with the fear that employers were holding onto staff until after Christmas. It is not known yet how many more redundancies have been announced in Mayo, or people let go from their jobs, only time will tell.
With that in mind the shop local message is more important than ever. If our local economy isn’t strong then jobs will continue to be lost and workers in Mayo will join the dole queues and become a national statistic.
Of course, the success of shop local campaigns does not rest solely on the shoulders of consumers. It is incumbent on the businesses to look at themselves too and to ensure that customer service is better than it is, that staff are trained in the basics of good manners and don’t grunt an answer at you; that waiting staff don’t try their best to avoid eye contact; and that shop layouts are inviting and look more like storerooms than places to browse and buy.
The Chambers have been giving the Mayo Advertiser their views on the shop local concept. Sheila Hunt, CEO of Claremorris Chamber, has outlined the wide variety of shops available in Claremorris. “Shops are offering discounts and deals, there are great parking facilities at very reasonable rates with a lot of premises providing parking for the customers and a personal service is a given,” added the CEO.
Ann Cunnane, CEO of Ballyhaunis Chamber, added: “It’s important for the economy in Ballyhaunis that people shop local. It’s in everyone’s own interest to keep business and employment in the town. While it is attractive to go up the North, the long-term disadvantage is loss of jobs. Local businesses give employment and now we must give something back to them.”
The message is clear from Ballina Chamber with CEO Sandra Cribbin reminding consumers of the valuable contribution businesses make to the community and feed into the bigger local economy.
Sinead Kelleher, a member of Castlebar Chamber’s Retail Committee had this to say: “Keep it local is our message. We don’t want to see shops closing down, it’s very disheartening, and we need to protect what we have.” Sinead also advised consumers not to be afraid to shop around locally to find the best prices.
This recession is taking us back to basics, but let us try to hold on to as much of what we have so that recovery will be that much easier. This week and every week, help the process by supporting those businesses that form the heart of your community.
