Buncrana Chamber of Commerce have reported a huge increase in the past two years, of local Buncrana Shopping Vouchers, which the Chamber operates for the benefit of local businesses.
Sales have increased from €42,000 at the end of 2014, to almost treble that figure, with sales of just over €120,000 at the end of year for 2016.
Welcoming the increase in the voucher sales, Chamber President Ryan Stewart said it is a huge endorsement of the ‘Shop Local’ ethos the Chamber is trying to promote.
“At a time when exchange rates seemed to favour shopping in the north, it’s clear that the message is getting through, and has the support of local people. We have even had online orders for the vouchers from as far away as Australia, with people using the vouchers as a cost-effective way of sending presents home!”
“As well as the rebranding and marketing of the vouchers, one of the main reasons for the increase is that more and more local employers are availing of the tax benefits associated with the vouchers. Employers can pay staff up to €500 tax-free in vouchers, which is ideal for Christmas bonuses, for example. If employers had paid their staff in cash, this would be taxed. We have been driving this message forward over the past two years, and it’s working for the benefit of all of our members.
“You don’t have to be a Chamber member to avail of the tax benefits available by giving these vouchers to your staff, but you do have to be a member if you want to redeem these vouchers for cash from shoppers, so, in short, there’s €120,000 worth of vouchers which need to be redeemed, so join up now.”
He thanked all the retailers who sell these vouchers saying they were inundated in the run up to Christmas, and did a great job promoting the vouchers to local shoppers.
Buncrana Shopping vouchers are available from Macs Bookshop, SuperValu Buncrana, the Lunch Box, Farrens Mace and Bradleys Fahan.
Mr Stewart is stepping down from his role in the Chamber this week, and has added that he has welcomed the support he received during his time in the Chamber.
“It has been very rewarding personally, and I have to thank all of the local businesses, as well as the committee, who supported what we have been trying to achieve over the past two years. A new board is due to be elected next week, and I would strongly urge those in business locally to get more involved in the Chamber. The Chamber is now very well resourced to deliver even more value for the town, but input is needed. A small amount of your time can go a very long way.”
