Keep it Local this Christmas with vouchers

COMMENTING on the announcement that there are now over 210 local shops and businesses redeeming ‘Shop Local Gift Vouchers’ Michael Gaynor is calling on members of the public and the business community to get behind the Shop Local Vouchers this Christmas and give them as Christmas presents to family and staff.

‘With just under €300,000 sold to date in their first year, they have been a resounding success’ commented Michael. ‘ The Chamber started this initiative to help keep money, and protect local jobs within the local economy. The Chamber plan is to grow sales even more for the remainder of the year.’

The vouchers now come in a €5 denomination as well as €10, €20 and €50’s.

Michael mentioned that ‘ The person who receives the voucher is given the opportunity to choose from over 210 participating shops, as to where they wish to redeem them.’

Michael is also asking local employers to get behind this voucher scheme and give the Shop Local Gift Vouchers as the Christmas Bonus this year. Employers can save 56% on staff rewards by giving employees a Shop Local Gift Voucher instead of cash.

Michael also stated that Directors of a limited company can avail of a €500 tax free payment as they are considered an employee of the business. Unfortunately this benefit does not apply to Sole traders / Partnerships however it would apply to their employees.

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.

Michael said ‘If you want to buy vouchers you can purchase online on www.dundalk.ie/ vouchers or directly from the Dundalk Chamber Offices by calling Brenda on Tel: 042 9336343 or email accounts@ dundalk.ie To check out the full list of outlets who are redeeming the Shop Local Gift Vouchers visit http://shoplocal. dundalk.ie’