Record €2 million worth of shop local vouchers sold in Dundalk

Una McGoey President of Dundalk Chamber has announced that sales of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers have hit an unbelievable record of €2 million worth of Shop Local Gift Vouchers sold in 2022.

That brings total sales to over €7 million since their launch, for what the Chamber say is an unbelievable amount in such a short period of time.

Dundalk Chamber started this initiative over 7 years ago and say it has been an unmitigated success.

Ms. McGoey mentioned that there was a huge effort put in by the Chamber to help local retail and this voucher scheme has given local retailers a welcome boost.

She thanked the business community of Dundalk for getting behind this scheme and buying the vouchers for their staff this Christmas.

She further said “these sales would not have happened if it has not been for the good will of the business community who see the value in keeping money in the locality.

“Stopping the flow of money from the town has been our priority.”

She also thanked members of the public who bought the vouchers and kept it local this Christmas.

“This initiative was set up to help keep money and protect local jobs within the local economy. The Chamber plan is to grow sales even more in 2023!”

Paddy Malone PRO of Dundalk Chamber commented on the vouchers saying they give the receiver “the gift of choice as they can be spent in Toy Shops, Supermarkets, Restaurants, Hair Salons, Gift Stores, Gyms, Beautician, Clothes shops, and much more.

“You will be amazed with the selection of businesses now redeeming them which includes over 350 shops all around Dundalk and surrounding areas.

“The vouchers now come in a €5 denomination as well as €10, €20 and €50’s. They are an ideal gift all year round for Birthdays, Weddings, Communions, Confirmations, Competitions, Retirements and staff rewards.”

Paddy Malone said that the “beauty of these vouchers is that they do not expire, and the shops get the full amount back. They do not lose value over time.”

Members of the public can buy the vouchers in Grants in St, Michael Smyth’s in Francis St, Central News Clanbrassil St, Centra Blackrock, Sheelans in Riverstown, Finnegans in Louth Village, Flanagan’s Mace on the Dublin Rd. and Pats Gift Shop & Victory’s Centra in Dunleer, Valentines Centra in Carlingford and Lush, Barrys Shop Grange , Dundalk Credit Union Market St and The Ramparts.

The Chamber say two recent tax changes are worth noting.

First, the maximum an employer can give in a year is €1,000 and secondly this can be split into two payments.

Therefore, an employer could give €500 now and €500 at summer holidays or another special occasion to say thank you.

You can also purchase them online on www.shoplocal.dundalk.ie - there is no charge for delivery.

The vouchers can also be purchased directly from the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Office 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