NW Shop Local, Support Local project launched in Derry

Speaking at the launch, Nicole Deane, the campaign organiser for Shop Local Support Local said: “The pandemic has brought so much suffering to our whole community in one way or another. It has put businesses, charities and the local community under severe financial pressure. We have to come together as a community, to support each other with the aim of preventing jobs losses and growing the economy in the north west.

“It’s really important that the local community use the Loyalty Reward Vouchers. By doing so you are helping to increase the turnover of the businesses involved and in some cases you are helping to keep them trading.

“This is why the businesses involved are giving great offers, so they can reward the loyalty shown by customers and say thank you.”

Over the coming days a Shop Local Support Local booklet will be delivered to every home in the Derry area which will explain which businesses are involved and what special offers to expect. You can also visit www.shoplocalsupportlocal.org to buy your Loyalty Reward Voucher Booklet and to find out what businesses you can purchase it from.

The first ‘thank you’ comes when you buy a Loyalty Reward Voucher Booklet for £10 - you get a reward voucher for two pizzas and two milkshakes worth £15 free.

By doing this you are also making a donation to the three local charities involved -Children in Crossfire, Foyle Search & Rescue and the Foyle Food Bank.

Speaking at the launch, Mayor Brian Tierney said: “The past 12 months have been some of the most challenging our local businesses have ever faced as they dealt with the unprecedented demands placed on them by the Covid 19 pandemic. The restrictions to reduce the spread of the virus have forced every business to tailor their working environments and services with many having to close completely for long periods.

“Many businesses have made huge personal sacrifices to ensure they can still serve our community and we owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their loyalty”.

“As restrictions slowly ease, now more than ever, they need the Derry public to weigh in behind them and support them,” he added.

Mayor Tierney continued “By buying a voucher booklet we can repay their loyalty over the last 12 months by getting back out there and supporting them during this difficult phase.

It is a win win situation for the local economy, saving you money and allowing the businesses to grow and thrive”.

“Research has shown that £10 spent with a local independent shop means up to an additional £50 goes back into the local economy if everyone makes an effort to keep money circulating in the local economy.

Local businesses are the life blood of our economy, providing jobs for local people and services you can trust”.

“Let’s repay their dedication during this pandemic by making a conscious effort to shop local this spring and summer.

No matter how small the spend it can make a massive difference”.

“I for one can’t wait to start using my voucher booklet and start purchasing some of the unique bespoke items featured in this publication”.