Shop local to help lend support to Wicklow businesses
A NEW campaign named ‘Shop Local - Support Wicklow’ has been launched to help boost business in Wicklow town.
The majority of businesses are now back open or are about to after having to close for up to three months due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Behind the campaign is a re-opening committee consisting of members of Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce, Wicklow Town Team and Wicklow Municipal District.
The group will identify and implement initiatives under a promotional campaign entitled ‘Shop Local - Support Wicklow’, which will help local businesses as they re-open throughout the District.
The group also think it is essential to the local economy that the town’s Main Street and local businesses survive and prosper, and people are being asked to continue to give their much-valued support as we return to something approaching normality.
Cllr John Snell, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow Municipal District, said: ‘I am delighted to be associated with this united approach to support the businesses in the District and appeal to the community to ‘Shop Local - Support Wicklow.’
Dave Shannon, Chairman Wicklow Town Team, has also added his support.
He said: ‘It is important now more than ever to shop local, support our businesses and continue to enjoy all that Wicklow has to offer.’
The ‘Shop Local - Support Wicklow’ campaign is being funded by Wicklow Municipal District and provides for temporary public signage, a leaflet drop to 5,000 households, shop local stickers, temporary ground markings, banners and a short promotional video.
Customers are being asked to support Wicklow and to invest in their town, shop local first, shop online locally and use Wicklow Town Vouchers as gifts.
Addressing the public, Rosie Cooney, President Wicklow Town and District Chamber of Commerce, said: ‘I wish to thank you for shopping locally during the last twelve weeks in particular.
‘Thank you for supporting our local shops, pharmacies, supermarkets, financial services and all of the service businesses that remained open during the most restricted period of the recent lockdown and I now appeal to you again for your continued support in these challenging times.’
Wicklow Municipal District is available to provide temporary ground markings to facilitate queuing outside premises in order to encourage social distancing.
In addition, to help local businesses expedite the required consent for use of public spaces for seating and tables, and social distancing measures, the Council has introduced a fast-track licence application procedure.
All fees will be waived for a period of three months
As part of the consultation process Wicklow Town and District Chamber is asking business to submit suggestions, tips, supports and links that will assist kick-start the local economy to info@wicklowchamber.ie.