Great news from Ballina, as Tracey Glacken, President of Ballina Chamber, announced the extraordinary success of the Ballina Shop Local Gift Vouchers in 2023. With record sales surpassing quarter of a million euros in 2023, this achievement contributes to a remarkable total of over €800,000 since the initiative’s launch.

The Shop Local Gift Vouchers, introduced by Ballina Chamber retail committee in 2017, have proven to be a standout success, unmatched by similar efforts elsewhere in the west.

Tracey, expressing her thoughts on the achievement, highlighted the substantial effort invested by the Chamber in supporting local businesses. Tracey says; “The voucher scheme, designed to encourage the community to shop locally, has not only benefited consumers but has also provided a much-needed boost to local retailers and businesses, since their introduction.

The success of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers is a testament to the effectiveness of community-driven initiatives and the importance of supporting local businesses.”

Tracey acknowledged the support for the Shop Local Gift Vouchers initiative, especially during the holiday season, reflects a strong sense of community and collaboration. The fact that businesses in Ballina have actively participated in buying these vouchers for their staff demonstrates a shared commitment to keeping resources within the local economy.

Members of the Chamber council emphasized the critical role played by the business community, attributing the success of the voucher sales to their goodwill and recognition of the importance of retaining funds within the locality. This initiative not only benefits individual businesses but contributes to the overall economic health of the town by preventing the outflow of money to external sources.

Furthermore, Tracey extended her gratitude to the members of the public who chose to support local businesses by purchasing these vouchers during the Christmas season. Their commitment to keeping it local has undoubtedly played a significant role in the achievement of the impressive sales figures.

Chair of the Chamber Retail Committee Garret Michael also stated “The Chamber deserve commendation for their dedication and effort in implementing this initiative, which has had a significant positive impact on the local retail sector, underscoring the collaborative effort of both businesses and the public in fostering a thriving local economy and community spirit in Ballina.”

Niamh Ryan, PRO of Ballina Chamber, provides valuable insights into the versatility and benefits of the vouchers. Describing them as the “gift of choice,” Niamh emphasizes the wide range of businesses where these vouchers can be redeemed, showcasing the diversity of options available to recipients. With over 100 businesses participating in Ballina scheme, and surrounding areas, the vouchers have become a versatile and inclusive gifting option.

The introduction of a €10 denomination, in addition to the existing €25 and €50 options, makes these vouchers accessible for various occasions, from birthdays and weddings to special events like communions, confirmations, retirements, and staff rewards.

One of the standout features highlighted by Niamh is the vouchers’ extended expiration date of five years. This not only adds to their appeal as a long-lasting and flexible gift but also ensures that businesses receive the full voucher amount without any commission deductions. The fact that the vouchers do not lose value over time further enhances their attractiveness to both consumers and businesses.

Ballina Chamber is delighted to highlight the positive impact of the Shop Local Gift Vouchers initiative on the local economy, businesses, and the community, showcasing its potential for continued growth and success.