People are being encouraged to shop local this Christmas and support the diverse businesses and services in their area.
PEOPLE are being encouraged to shop local this Christmas and support the diverse businesses and services in their area.
The Council has launched its third annual ‘Think Cork County’ campaign which calls on people to do just that, and is offering free parking in Bandon, Macroom and Kinale.
This year’s campaign was officially launched at County Hall by county mayor Cllr Patrick Gerard Murphy, to mark the month-long countdown to Christmas.
The initiative, which encourages people to support and appreciate their local craftspeople, food suppliers, post offices, hairdressers and the many other business and service providers in their locale, was originally established in 2016 to promote the ‘shop local’ objective, with a view to boosting the economy of Cork’s various municipal districts.
While the principal aim is to recognise the abundance of eclectic businesses and services located in the area, it also encourages members of the public to indulge in a spot of retail therapy in their nearest town or village by providing designated free on-street parking zones in selected areas in the lead-up to Christmas.
It serves as a reminder to Cork county residents that they do not always have to travel to the city or shop online in search of the items or services they require.
A spokesperson said: ‘By shopping local you are contributing to the growth and development of your homeplace, supporting the talented entrepreneurs and business-owners in your local area and ensuring that your hard-earned money is pumped right back into your community.’
Mayor Murphy added: ‘As Corkonians, we are spoiled to be surrounded by such amazing quality when it comes to what is produced and on offer so close to home.
‘Each community in Cork makes a huge effort at this time of year to ensure our towns and villages are beautifully decorated and lit up, with everything we could possibly need available in the many shops and businesses on our doorstep.
‘It really is the perfect time to spend at home – in every sense of the word.’