Arklow is open for business
THE Christmas lights have been switched on and Arklow is open for business. Local traders have pulled out all the stops to ensure their premises are ready for the festive season and the town is looking wonderful.
A stroll around the town centre followed by a visit across the bridge to the Bridgewater Centre will ensure that you are left full of inspiration.
Ticking off your Christmas shopping list has never been so easy and with free parking in the town in local authority car parks until January, it’s time to get started.
Arklow is known for its array of diverse retails outlets, many of which are run by local traders.
Shopping local sustains jobs and supports the local economy so how’s that for a great incentive to spend your money locally.
There are many other benefits to shopping close to home such as if returns or exchanges are needed, being able to do them with ease.
Lots of Arklow stores offer services like a deposit system, ordering in and gift wrapping which all help to make the process of shopping for the season that little bit easier.
Arklow is unique in that it has a core town centre full of clothing and retail stores, cafés, pharmacies which are all well stocked for the rush, as well as the Bridgewater Centre offering well-known chain stores and brands.
During a time when there is much discussion about preserving small towns and villages, the only real way for the ordinary citizen to play their part is to spend their money locally.
Christmas is a wonderful time, and it’s great to get a bargain or a much sought after item, while supporting local business at the same time.
Crafts and delicious food items will be on sale at the Arklow Christmas Festival Market which takes place on Saturday, December 8 at the Main Street park.
There will also be a busking competition and live music to add to the occasion. It will be brimming with festive cheer so make sure not to miss out.
If you shop local this year, then you could be in with a chance to win a prize in the €5000 Golden Ticket Draw. Each participating local outlet will send a chosen ticket to the draw which takes place on Tuesday, December 18 at Arklow Library so there’s a great chance of winning the top prize valued at €1500, the silver ticket valued at €750, bronze ticket valued at €500 or one of seven copper tickets.
Don’t forget that Arklow Library will host a tree-lighting ceremony with Christmas carols, prose and poems on Tuesday, December 11.
So pop on your Santa hat and pay a visit to Arklow this Christmas season.