Shop local this Christmas with vouchers

IN their continuing promotion of Shop Local Gift Vouchers, Dundalk Chamber of Commerce President Michael Gaynor is delighted with the success of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers to date.

‘With over €270,000 sold to date in their first year they have been a resounding success. This initiative set up by Dundalk Chamber Of Commerce has been a resounding success. These vouchers help to keep money in the local economy and help protect local jobs. The plan is to grow sales even more for the remainder of the year.

Michael mentioned that there are now ‘207 local shops and businesses redeeming these vouchers. They come in denominations of €5, €10, €20 and €50 and are also ideal gift for any occasion and the person who receives the voucher is given the gift of choice of where they can redeem them’.

Michael would also encourage local companies to buy these vouchers for their staff this Christmas as their bonus as they can save 56% on staff rewards by giving employees a Shop Local Gift Voucher instead of cash. This will help keep money local.

‘Businesses can reward their staff with a €500 tax free payment. You are entitled to give one each and every year. Under the Small Benefits Exemption Scheme, company directors and employees can receive a non-cash bonus of up to €500 in value on a completely tax free basis each year and he would encourage all employers to but this voucher for the town as you will be spoilt for choice where you can spend them’.

By buying these vouchers Michael said ‘you are keeping local jobs in Dundalk – jobs where family and friends are employed. These are helping Dundalk Retailers to stay in business, and assist with the revitalising our town’.

Michael reiterated that ‘ there is no commission on this voucher –€100 is worth €100 and costs €100 to buy. They do not lose value over time and the shops do not pay commission on them either. If you want to buy vouchers you can purchase online on www.dundalk.ie/vouchers or directly from the Dundalk Chamber Offices by calling Tel: 042 9336343 or email accounts@dundalk.ie

To check out the full list of who are redeeming the Shop Local Gift Vouchers visit http://www.shoplocal. dundalk.ie