Posted online: Nov 18th, 2009

By Teresa McGowan
Editor

IN a new campaign Sligo retails are taking hands-on action to protect the local economy and to stop cross border shopping.
Yesterday (Tuesday) Phelim O’Neill the man behind the FAIR DEALER campaign spent the day visiting close to 50 Sligo businesses and asking them to sign up to his initiative and vow to offer customers great value and commit to creating and retain local jobs.
“In return for that pledge we are asking for people to shop with their feet and stay local,” he told the Post.
Mr O’Neill, the owner of Pulse Accessories in Johnston Court says he wants the campaign to insulate Sligo’s economy by explaining the benefits of keeping purchases close to home.
The campaign will crank-up in the coming weeks in the form of an advertising campaign in a variety of local media including Internet, radio and newspapers to get across their message of promoting consumer loyalty to Sligo businesses.
Al local politicians are also being called upon to support the campaign, in particular by acceding to the FAIR DEALERS request that city council offer free parking in Sligo town during the month of December. It also has the full support of the Chamber of Commerce.
“So far businesses in Sligo have unanimously agreed to sign up to the campaign,” said Mr O’Neill.
“What is spent in Sligo stays in Sligo, every Euro spent locally is assisting local economic recovery, benefiting local services and creating local jobs,” said Mr O’Neill
The FAIR DEALER campaign organisers shall be visiting every business in Sligo over the coming weeks to seek their commitment to join the campaign by displaying a bright red FAIR DEALER sticker in their shop windows.
Consumers are being advised that where they see the sticker they can shop with confidence in the knowledge that the participating business is committed to creating local jobs and offering good value to customers.
Sligo Businesses who wish to participate in this campaign are invited to call 071 9123930 to arrange for their RED FAIR DEALER STICKER. Sligo Chamber encourages support of the ‘Fair Dealer’
In supporting the campaign Sligo Chamber President Kevin Quinn Jnr. said “It is very encouraging to see the local retailers work together on such a positive initiative.
“Retail business has been the backbone of Sligo and we must never forget the contributions they have made to Sligo’s growth over the years. We must all play our part to help protect this valuable sector of our economy.”