Shop Local Online can be the saviour of Wexford retailers – Cole

Wexford retailers could boost their annual income by up to 500% under an innovative new economic plan put forward by Ireland’s newest political party. Elaine Cole, a local election candidate for Aontu, said that her party’s localised online digital shopping hubs could revolutionise Irish trade and save our high streets.

“The Irish are the biggest international online shoppers in the world,” Mrs Cole said. “In total, Irish consumers spent over €6.5 billion in 2017, and this is set to rise to over €10 billion by 2020. Meanwhile, local spend, particularly in town centres continues to struggle. Shops are closed and jobs are shed. Small Irish retailers struggle to compete against large online entities like Amazon who can reduce their postage to virtually nil due to the volume of packages they send and are blessed with large marketing budgets.”

“Imagine if we could level the playing field for Irish businesses through a series of innovative government measures? Aontú will work to establish an online e-commerce platform, providing local businesses an opportunity to compete in the digital age. E- marketplace would put local products and services within a click of a button to consumers across the county and into the global marketplace. A countywide, united approach would ensure it is cost-effective, professional and mobile friendly service for the consumer, while also maximising online traffic for the retailer.”

“Postage could be significantly reduced because of combined volume and a guaranteed local online brand could be developed in a similar vein to the guaranteed Irish logo. Combine all of this with a high street tax on large internet traders like Amazon and we could dramatically increase revenue for small Irish businesses. We could save local businesses, jobs and boost the local economy.”