Irish shoppers should support their local economy by shopping at local SMEs and buying Irish quality products the Irish Small and Medium Enterprises Association (ISME) have said today. 

They have asked consumers to consider the economic value of their purchases and the effect that local shopping can have on local job creation by keeping money circulating in their community. 

According to their research, every €10 spent locally on Irish products generates €24 of benefit to the local community while 45 cents of every euro spent is reinvested locally in comparison to only 15 cents for the foreign multiples.   

ISME CEO, Mark Fielding says, "Consumers can help the recovery by ensuring that they use their purchasing power to support local SMEs and Irish quality products. Insist on the Irish brand every time even if it isn't displayed. Retailers also can play their part by placing Irish products prominently on their shelves".

"Buying Irish supports our towns and villages and keeps our butchers, post offices, hardware stores and all our local shopkeepers in business. These stores provide excellent customer service and also provide employment for many in the locality. Supporting them means you are supporting the 'home team' and helping to keep the economy on an even keel."

Source: www.businessworld.ie