Press release
Minister Troy lauds ‘Look for Local’ campaign
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment
Published on
Last updated on
Research carried out on behalf of the Local Enterprise Offices as part of their ‘Look for Local’ campaign has shown that 82% of Irish consumers were now more likely to buy local, either online or in-store, this year, compared to 2019, as a result of recent campaigns to highlight local businesses.
In Westmeath, 86% of consumers said they would look to buy locally in-store, with 68% indicating that they were more likely to shop locally online this year. Similarly, 88% of Longford consumers said they would look to shop local in-store this year, while 78% indicated a preference to shop locally online.
Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, Robert Troy TD, said:
"The Look for Local campaign has provided a significant boost to local businesses and I am particularly pleased to see from the survey that a huge majority of consumers in Westmeath and Longford are more likely to buy locally this year, both in-store and online. As we are all too aware 2020 has been the most challenging year imaginable with local businesses under huge pressure so the support of the local community is a great boost for them."
Of those surveyed nationally, 8 out of 10 said that they were aware of campaigns, including that of the Local Enterprise Offices, encouraging individuals and businesses to look locally when buying goods or services. Of those surveyed 85% felt there were more local businesses trading online than in 2019, while 83% plan to support more local businesses in 2021. The Local Enterprise Offices have approved over 11,000 Trading Online Vouchers this year, an increase of over 800% from 2019. The Voucher enables small businesses to get established online or improve an existing online presence.
Minister Troy added:
"Local businesses have shown great resilience throughout this year and made huge efforts to maintain links with their customers, so it is good to see those efforts rewarded. I would encourage people to continue to support local businesses by shopping locally and safely in store, by phone or online."
The ‘Look for Local’ campaign is being pushed out by each of the 31 Local Enterprise Offices nationwide and the Look for Local hub on www.localenterprise.ie/LookforLocal now has over 4,200 businesses listed from a range of sectors that enables consumers and businesses to search for goods and services within their area.
The research was released today, 14 December, to coincide with ‘Look for Local Day’ where the Local Enterprise Offices, Enterprise Ireland and the Local Authorities are putting an increased online focus on local businesses. This includes online promotions, offers and giveaways as part of the ‘Look for Local’ campaign.
For more information on the campaign go to www.localenterprise.ie/LookforLocal and agencies, businesses and consumers will also be encouraged to use #LookforLocal on social media to help support the campaign.
ENDS