IT may have snowed from the heavens in Letterkenny for Christmas but the local Chamber of Commerce has just announced record sales of its Shop LK vouchers.
Not even the icy footpaths or frozen roads could keep people from supporting local businesses as they spent more than €160,240 worth of vouchers in November and December.
The splurge represents a massive 48% increase in sales of the vouchers and a record since the initiative began.
Chamber President Patrick McGinley said the figures were extraordinary.
“Last year total sales from November 09 to October 10 stood at a record high of €207,000. However this Christmas season has exceeded our expectations and this amazing increase of 48% is a real shot in the arm for Letterkenny.
“This is money that can only be spent here in the town and it contributes to supporting these outlets and most importantly supporting local jobs.”
He continued “The Shop LK initiative offers local consumers an opportunity to support their local town in a really tangible way. We have had increasing sales year on year and the outlets involved in the initiative get real benefits.
“Many other towns have now developed local shopping initiatives but Letterkenny Chamber started Shop LK well before the recession and over the years it has caught the imagination of the general public.“
Letterkenny provides something unique not found in neighbouring towns and cities – a main street with many independent traders, a local town feel with high street names, a clean well kept town, ample and reasonably priced parking close to the shopping areas and not least helpful and friendly staff who will go that extra mile to give customers exactly what they need.
The “Shop LK – Love Shopping Letterkenny” brand helps to underpin all that is good about shopping in Letterkenny.
The Chamber makes no money from the sale or redemption of vouchers so every cent brought in through Shop LK is invested back into the promotion of the brand throughout the year. Through the Shop LK initiative Letterkenny Chamber has always advocated the principles of keeping it local. The brand and the vouchers are a way of celebrating all that is good in Letterkenny.
Consumers now have a great deal of choice right here in Letterkenny with excellent value every day across a range of products. Shopping in Letterkenny is hassle free with lots of cheap and convenient parking, lots of places to eat and relax and less money to spend on petrol. All in all the shopping experience here in Letterkenny is friendly, convenient and hassle free.
Commenting on the increase Toni Forrester Chamber Chief Executive said “We knew sales were increasing this year but we were cautious until we saw the final figure. The Chamber office was selling vouchers every day in the run up to Christmas with staff just about keeping up with the demand.
“Vouchers were bought by businesses as tax efficient bonuses, by organisations as prizes and by the general public who have really taken this initiative to their hearts. Over the last two years we have noticed that the range of people buying the vouchers has widened as people like the idea of a voucher and many comment on the idea that they are supporting the local community.
“Letterkenny Chamber could not run this highly successful initiative without the support of FAS community employment programme through which the Chamber is staffed. It is the frontline staff in the Chamber that provide the much needed resources throughout the year but most especially at these busy periods and the support of FAS is very much appreciated. “
The Chamber President finished by saying “with increases in the region of 48% we are optimistic that sales will increase throughout the year and we are well on our way to selling the first million in vouchers. This is all great news for the 85 Shop LK members and for Letterkenny as a town”.
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