Westport Chamber’s Shop Local initiative a huge success

The second ‘Shop Local’ Christmas Promotion supported and promoted by Westport Chamber of Commerce has been lauded as a huge success.

The Chamber Committee wish to say a massive thank you to all who were part of this initiative - the retailers and businesses that sponsored a range of vouchers and products valued at nearly €5,000 and also to the many shoppers who embraced the idea of buying their Christmas gifts at local Westport retailers.

In excess an incredible 17,000 tickets were completed by shoppers and included in the draw that had a first prize of €1,000 worth of Westport Shopping Vouchers to spend at local businesses. In addition, a second prize of €500 worth of vouchers and a further eighteen prizes of up to €200 worth of vouchers and products were also given away.

Prizewinners

The prizewinners were from many parts of the country, but the majority were Mayo-based with the overall winner John Joe Geraghty shopping at a Westport retailer, he was joined by shopper Padraic Walsh who was the winner of €500 worth of vouchers.

Other winners of up to €200 worth of vouchers included: Ann McGreal, Fr John Kenny, Anne Duffy, Noreen Quinn, Shauna Crossan, Cathy Noonan, Mary Gray, Jim O’Leary, Claire Walsh, Pat Lenihan (donated prize to the Westport SVDP), Judy Brady, Jack Potgieter, Noreen Staunton. Jane O’Grady, Natalie McGovern, Cian McKenna and Conal Reilly.

The winners were delighted that they received the vouchers and prizes ahead of the Christmas season and those from out of town expressed delight at the opportunity to return to Westport to spend their vouchers. The initiative generated a lot of good will and a 'feel good factor' with both customers and retailers in the run up to Christmas and really highlighted the value of shopping local.

Dermott Langan, President of Westport Chamber of Commerce said; “While the concept was quite simple, the whole process worked a treat. We were absolutely blown away by the response we got from all the local business community. Every retailer was very supportive of the inventiveness of the Chamber in getting the scheme across the line. Of course, it wouldn’t have been possible without the input by the retail trade in encouraging their customers to enter the draw and who valued the efforts of the team in the Chamber office – here’s hoping we can repeat the arrangement next Christmas, with the caveat - bigger and better’.”

Continuing, he praised the work done by the team at the Chamber office at the Leeson Enterprise Centre, led by Geraldine Horkan: “Without their amazing diligence of the promotion – it couldn’t have happened.”

Sponsors

Sincere thanks to the following for sponsorship: McVann’s Pharmacy, Peter Duffy Tool Hire, Carraig Donn, LS Hair, Austin O’Malley Furniture, Wild Atlantic Wear, Krém Gelateria, McGreevy’s Toys Direct, Westport Town Hall Theatre, O’Donnell’s Footwear, Boutique Colette, John O’Brien Mens & Boys Wear, PAX Eco Goods, Treacy’s Pharmacy, Westport Leisure Park, Bree Menswear, Print Addiction, Tertulia Book Shop. John O’Brien’s Linen & Wools, The Mall Boutique, Bee Green Dry Cleaners, Heather Breeze, Absolute Pottery, Sharon Gill Hairdressers, Townhouse, Schu- it, Amber, McHugh’s Cafe, Market 57, Hawkshaw Butchers, Les Jumelles, Goldens Pharmacy, K Club, Duffy’s Bookshop, Lally’s Pharmacy, O’Brien Interiors, Harvest Breeze, Berry’s Printers, Jack Dylan Jewellers, Kavanagh’s Super Valu, Front Page Hair, Carraig Donn, Kelly’s Tweed and Knitwear, Aodha, Murtagh’s Jewellers, The Woolen Market, Aunty Nelly’s, Portwest Outdoor Shop, Heaney’s Pharmacy, Gill’s Drycleaners, Darian’s Hair, Curry’s Cottage, O’Donnell’s Pharmacy, Marlene’s Chocolate Heaven, Teddy’s Fashion, Express Drycleaners, Namawe Herbal, McLoughlin’s Book Shop, Petals, Thomas Moran Gifts, Market 57, FOXFORD, Westport Adventure Park, The Dressing Room, Linda Smyth, Hairdressing, Euro stretcher, Amber, Westport Design, Aunty Nellie’s, Ylang Ylang, The Creel, O’Connell’s Pharmacy, Call of the Wild, K Club Hair Salon, IT Works, Seasalt, Westport Flower Shop, Ashling Crafts, Liberties, Rave Hair Salon, Golden’s Pharmacy, The Harbour Store.