€650,000 OF SHOP LOCAL VOUCHERS
‘ALL EXPECTATIONS SURPASSED’ BY HUGELY SUCCESSFUL SCHEME
DUNDALK Chamber of Commerce’s idea to issue town business-based vouchers to keep cash in Dundalk has surpassed all expectations by selling over €650,000 in Shop Local vouchers, it has been announced.
The final figure for 2016 will not be known until returns from outlets are collated early in the New Year, but it is clear the initiative has been a major success.
Michael Gaynor, President of Dundalk Chamber praised the hard work done by Chamber staff, the members, other employers and retailers in engaging in this ‘in a very positive and constructive manner’.
He said that it was an achievement which kept jobs at home this year and demonstrated the pride local people had in their area. Every euro kept in the local economy would be spent locally again. The impact of this initiative was therefore worth more than two million euro to the local economy.
Paddy Malone PRO commented that employers had seen the value of the scheme due both because of the tax advantages and the fact that all costs were being borne by the Chamber.
When members of the public were asked why they bought the vouchers the main reasons given were protecting jobs and the fact that there was no expiry date.
The vouchers will be available throughout 2017 and can be used for birthdays, communions and other occasions.
Paddy Malone PRO of Dundalk Chamber said the recipient gets gift of choice as they can be spent in toy shops, restaurants, hair salons, gift stores, gyms, beauticians, clothes shops, book stores and much more. The vouchers now come in a €5 denomination as well as €10, €20 and €50s.
He said: ‘ The €650,000 in sales means that at least two million euro will be retained in Dundalk over Christmas. Every euro spent will mean extra jobs in Dundalk which in turn means extra payroll which in turn means a further round of spending.
‘ This also created a buzz and a positive feel good factor for the holiday period’.
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 buy this voucher for the town’.
The beauty of these vouchers is that they do not expire and the shops get the full amount back. Members of the public can buy the vouchers in Grants Dublin Street, McCuskers in Earl Street, Central News Clanbrassil Street, Centra Blackrock, Sheelans in Riverstown, Finnegan’s in Louth Village and Victory’s Centra in Dunleer.
You can also purchase them online on www.dundalk.ie/vouchers - there is no charge for delivery - and directly from the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Office by calling Brenda on 042 9336343 or email accounts@dundalk.ie The full list of outlets redeeming the Shop Local gift vouchers is at shoplocal.dundalk.ie.
In addition, Mr Gaynor congratulated BIDS on the magnificent energy efficient new Christmas street lights and the atmosphere of the town centre.
He said that with the additional success of the Dundalk FC on the European stage ‘ the town definitely had a good 2016 and should be looking forward to 2017 with a degree of confidence.