In these recessionary times, it can be tempting to think that the smartest thing we can all do to save money is to go for the most obvious savings by travelling outside of our community to shop. But are we are really thinking smart and are we really saving in the long run? If we really think about it, the most sensible thing we can do now and in the future for ourselves and community is to shop local. Shopping local supports jobs in our local economy, generating revenue and salaries that will be spent locally. There is a need to keep the economy in Tullamore as strong as possible and shopping locally is the most important thing that we can do right now.  According to Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce, there are many good reasons to shop locally.

Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people get out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available. Think about it and take a walk around Tullamore. You will find everything you could want from a high-street shopping experience – designer clothes, funky bargain jewellery, eclectic music choices and great coffee. Sometimes, we are so used to the areas where we live that we don’t see and appreciate the quality that is in our own town. Open your eyes and shop local !!

Shopping locally saves you money. Advertising has done a good job of convincing us all that other locations may be less expensive, but the evidence just isn’t there to back this up. If you add in travel, parking costs, fees to transport larger items home and customer time, the overall cost is often much greater. The further we travel to shop, the more we feel we need to buy to justify the shopping trip, this is a false economy. Is the perceived saving really worth the hassle. Take it easy and shop local !!

Shopping locally retains our communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in towns but don’t often don’t  equate these losses to how they spend their money. Shops will only survive if customers spend locally – so if you want a vibrant town centre, where people can socialise as well as shop, we need to encourage people to shop locally. Keep your community vibrant and shop local !!

Shopping locally retains our distinctiveness. Many town centres in Europe look the same with franchises and multinationals. Shopping local encourages and supports independent retailers. Independent shops create distinctive shopping experiences and stock different products. Independent shops keep traditional local products alive. They respond more quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs. They can also be more innovative. Keep your community interesting and unique and shop local !!

Shopping locally saves the environment. We are all aware of CO2 emissions and our environmental impact. Shopping local may impact on distribution times and customer journey times are obviously reduced. This helps reduce our carbon footprint. Think globally and green and shop local !!

Shopping locally creates jobs. Shops in our town create local employment and self employment. These people in turn spend in the local economy. Support the local economy and shop local !!

Local shops invest in our communities. Shops in our community are generous in their support for local charities, schools and community events. So supporting local shops means a financial return for our community. Support those who support our community and shop local !!

Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily. This is especially important for the elderly and those without private transport. Keeping your shops open by buying locally helps the whole community. Keep our community alive for everyone and shop local !!

Local shops value you more. People receive better customer care and service in local shops, where they are a known and valued customer. Traders survive by their reputation and repeat business – so shopping locally means that you get a higher standard of service. Enjoy being a customer and shop local !!

Shopping locally saves services. Private, voluntary and public sector services cluster around shops. The loss of shops in a community corresponds to a reduction in these services. As shops disappear, so do hairdressers, vets, dentists etc. Support local services and shop local !!

SO… shop smart, shop local, shop Tullamore !!

Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce is anxious to encourage Tullamore residents to think local when thinking about their next shopping trip, especially this Christmas. According to Chamber President Tony McCormack, this is vital for the town; “we cannot underestimate the importance of the choices that we make on our local economy. Every Euro we spend locally has a multiplier effect in our community that benefits us and our local economy. We need to support and value our local shops and businesses as much as possible during these times. The temptation to travel that bit further from our region for perceived savings may be there in many people’s minds but we believe in the Tullamore Chamber of Commerce that these so-called savings are not beneficial for the region, in which we all live and work”.

This year, Tullamore & District Chamber of Commerce are again offering the Quids Vouchers which are a practical and efficient way to encourage local shopping this Christmas. Last years Chamber Quids proved to be a huge success story with over €63,000 being sold. The vouchers CANNOT be spent outside Tullamore so it's a great way to support your local business community. The Chamber Quids are a practical gift that will encourage retail business in Tullamore.

Tullamore & District Chamber President Tony McCormack commented :”For a large company to agree to give the Chamber Quids as Christmas or performance bonuses they are effectively agreeing to keep local money in the local economy thus supporting employment. We would ask that employers adopt this scheme and ensure that Tullamore remains a hive of retail activity.”

The following businesses have agreed to take the Chambers Quids with many more indicating their interest; Acme Blinds, Adam's Chemist, Alpine Store, Argos, Axis Architecture, Balcony Books, Beverly's, Boston, Bridge House Hotel, Brookville House, Café 4 U, Cahill Jewellers, Cards & Things, Carrolls Menswear, Castle Barna Golf Club, Classy Clogs, Cloonan's Hardware, Da Vinci's, Days Hotel, Dolan's Gala, Dolan's One Hour Photo, Dolan's Pharmacy, Dotser, Elmes Beauty Salon, Flaherty Jewellers, Furniture Depot, Galvin's for Ladies, Galvin for Men, Hanlon's Butchers, Heartbeat City, Heffernan Filling Station, J&M Douglas Jewellers, Jen Joe 4 kids, Kit Your Kitchen, Lamb's Oil, Leavy's Centra, Loughrey's, Lynche's Off Licence, Mc Keown's, Menary's, Michael Farrell Menswear, Midland Framing, N.I.S. Computers, Nationwide Cellular, Norma's Lingerie, O'Sullivan Photography, Paul Byron, Portland Barbers, Print Plus, Quirkes Medical Hall, Recharge Cartridges, Ritzy's Hair Salon, Scally's Centra, Shoes 4 U, Signature, Siroccos, Sterling Jewellers, Sweater World, Tesco, The Office Centre, The Wine Buff, The Yagdar Restaurant, Tullamore Court Hotel, Tullamore Fuels, Tullamore Golf Club, Tyrell's, Vera Moda, Woodies.

There is an added benefit with the Quids gift vouchers as the tax advantage is substantial. From January 1st 2007, under the Revenue Commissioners approved Small Benefits Exemption Scheme, companies can reward staff up to €250 as a once off payment completely tax and PRSI free. If you are interested in participating in this scheme please call the Chamber office. We need as many employers as possible to see the advantages of this project and give the Quids as Christmas bonuses to their staff this Christmas. KEEP JOBS IN TULLAMORE

If you want to add your business to the list or buy some Quids Vouchers please contact the Chamber office on 05793 51833 or info@tullamorechamber.com.