Use them or lose them - support the local economic ecosystem
Also, a look back at crime in 1987 following the latest revelation of ‘drastic’ budget cuts' to the PSNI
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In an era dominated by conglomerates it is increasingly important to recognise and support local independent retailers.
The small businesses and one-person retailers of Co Armagh; and it’s surrounding towns serve as the backbone of the local economy, fostering community, and contributing to the unique fabric of each town, from Lurgan to Crossmaglen and everywhere in between.
Yes, it’s easy to nip into the big brand, low cost chain when out on your weekly shop… does anyone still do “the big shop”? As a kid, I remember being put into the seat in the front of the trolley and wheeled around - for what seemed a lifetime - while the trolley was packed to overflowing. A tradition long since lost? (Maybe I’m too old to notice)…
Local independent retailers play a vital role in driving economic growth within our towns, but is enough being done to support them?
Related: The great debate: Are town centres a thing of the past?
Do we as consumers spend enough with the little guys?
We could go off on a tangent about our own efforts in the past to help support independents when we launched our own “Independent” loyalty card. At a point we had almost 100 local retailers signed up to it but public support for the scheme was slow – there was also an ABC council initiative launched afterwards, which also lacked a little gusto..
Maybe we were ahead of our time - is today’s strained climate forcing consumers to find more ways to save money? Tell us?
By keeping money circulating within these stores we create a multiplier effect that benefits the entire area.
Related: Armagh: Time to reinvent the city centre experience?
Moreover, local independent retailers often source their products from local suppliers, contributing to the growth of other small businesses in the area. This interdependence creates a network of support, helping to strengthen the economic ecosystem.
Additionally, these retailers are more likely to invest their profits back into the community, through initiatives such as local sponsorships, donations to local charities, and involvement in community development projects.
So the next time you’re spending your hard earned cash, consider a local independent retailer…. you won’t have to look hard to find one. But be warned - use them or lose them!
Headlines
Walker tragically collapses and dies at summit of Mourne Mountains
Tyrone man running Half-Marathon in aid of nephew Decky following liver surgery
Family and friends of tragic mother-of-two raise more £2,200 in her memory
Funding allows for recruitment of new Armagh-based community first responder
In Pictures: Thousands enjoy Twelfth of July celebrations in Lurgan
Call for ‘special’ council meeting as UUP say unionists should work together
Newry Council staff plan industrial action from next week after talks fail to find deal
Resurfacing relief for long-suffering parents, children and residents in Newry
Terrified nurse ‘could have been killed’ in overnight car ‘inferno’
Police officer strangulation accused allegedly tried to choke pizza shop customer shortly before
Camlough teenager facing child sex offence charges
Family of young dad who died in America hold fundraising day in his memory
Luxury glamping site and watersports complex planned at stunning south Armagh lake
Look back
Last week Armagh I covered a story on PSNI ‘drastic budget cuts’. Read the full story here. This sparked a reaction from the public around concerns crime rates would continue on an upward trajectory. Concerns which were similarly felt back in 1987 in the Craigavon area.
The Lurgan Examiner reported that Councillor Woolsey Smith had met with a group of people at the coalface from a number of estates across Craigavon following a spate of burglaries and criminal damage.
One of the areas highlighted most prominently was Rosmoyle, an area which was, at that time, in the latter stages of decline with only a handful of habitable homes.
Speaking at the time, Cllr Smith said: “the biggest problem faced by the people of Craigavon are the shockingly high number of break-ins due to the lack of police action on the ground, assisted by inadequate sentences from the courts.”
Crimes reported in the area in the proceeding week included the theft of a set of wheels from a mini metro car on the Avenue Road in Lurgan, a lawnmower stolen from the greenkeepers shed at Lurgan Golf Club and a Phillips 22” television stolen from a house while a man slept in his bed.
What are your thoughts on the imminent reduction of our police service?
Giveaways
Congratulations Helen Hughes! You are the winner of this week’s Omniplex Cinema giveaway, winning a pair of tickets “to the flicks”. Contact our office to arrange collection on 02837443043.
Don’t forget you can enter every week, as many times as you like!
