Shopping locally is becoming even more attractive this week as the pound to euro exchange reached its highest level since July.
The value of Sterling has soared after the Italian referendum, in which prime minister was defeated. Prime Minister Matteo Renzi’s resignation has signaled more uncertainty in the EU, causing the euro to slide immediately and the pound to get a boost.
The pound rose against the euro and reached a high of 83p against the euro on Monday morning – the highest rate in more than six months.
Shoppers in Donegal considering making the trip to the North for Christmas shopping may be held back by the effects of the government crisis in Italy as it weakens the euro.
Local stores are pulling out all the stops to present the best offers in food and drink for Christmas shoppers. Black Friday offers have been extended into the month of December, as local businesses are offering discounts of up to 20% on all stock among their offers.
Last Saturday saw the promotion of Small Business Saturday, where shoppers were encouraged to support their local retailers. Retail Excellence Ireland revealed that every €10 spent locally is worth €40 to the local economy as it supports employment, the community and gives the business the opportunity to continue to operate year round.
Many shoppers understand the value of shopping locally and supporting their own community and want to shop where they live. There has never been so much value south of the border in terms of offer and promotions.
Shop and save offers and coupons from supermarkets are ensuring customers get the money back on their shop that they would have otherwise spent on petrol travelling to the North.
Local supermarkets such as Centra have cut prices on festive favourites like 3 for €5 selection boxes and reduced alcohol prices such as 70cl bottles of Gordons Gin, Captain Morgan and Bacardi for €17 and litre bottles of Smirnoff going for €23.
In Donegal alone, Centra contributes nearly €135,000 in donations or sponsorship commitments to over 244 local charities, community groups, schools and sports clubs.
Centra retailers in Donegal have a strong commitment to supporting initiatives within their local communities and sponsor local clubs as well as the Irish Cancer Societies Action Breast Cancer programme.
Such community contributions from local stores make shoppers connect with and support local businesses, making shopping in the south a more beneficial option for the overall community.
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