Donegal consumers encouraged to support and showcase reopening local businesses with #BuyDonegal
Hundreds of Donegal businesses have got involved in the #BuyDonegal campaign to raise their profile and collectively showcase the county’s talent, innovation and creativity to a global audience. With the easing of Government restrictions many within the retail and hospitality sectors are once again reopening their doors in a very unique run up to Christmas. Working with towns and media partners across the county, Donegal County Council are reinforcing the #BuyDonegal message with a December campaign to highlight the range of business and hospitality offerings available within the county for people to carry out safe shopping and socialising.
Speaking about the #BuyDonegal initiative, Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr Rena Donaghey said ‘’we know the message of #BuyDonegal has really resonated with the people of Donegal near and far, they have really helped to support and highlight the range of wonderful products and services available from our many talented businesses. With many businesses and hospitality providers now due to reopen very soon, we encourage the people of Donegal to call in and support them in this busy Christmas period. For our diaspora, we encourage you to continue to visit buydonegal.com and support our businesses and the #BuyDonegal initiative through online purchase.’’
Michael Tunney, Head of Enterprise Donegal said: “Pivoting was the name of the game in 2020, and despite all the trials thrown at Donegal’s food and hospitality businesses this year, there was still so much creative thinking and innovation to be proud of! Many of our food and hospitality businesses – including our Donegal Food Coast members – used the period during Lockdown to improve and develop their online stores with a Trading Online Voucher from Donegal Local Enterprise Office, which now means they can trade to the world online this Christmas. This in turn, allows people to share the spirit of #BuyDonegal with our friends and family who won’t make it home this year.”
Businesses (outside of the hospitality sector) who are reopening and have not yet registered on buydonegal.com are once again encouraged to do so. There is no fee involved and registration is easy by completing a sign-up form which can be accessed here. For consumers planning to shop in-store or online, they can view the range of products and services on offer in advance and also avail of services such as click and collect, if available.
Hospitality providers are encouraged to include any special offers they wish to communicate through the govisitdonegal.com site which will also be visible on buydonegal.com
The #BuyDonegal December campaign coincided with the reopening of business across Donegal and each week it focused on specific areas within the county, supported by a strong marketing effort with radio, press and digital features all enticing consumers to go out and #BuyDonegal.
The people of Donegal near and far can help to continue to support the campaign by visiting a Donegal business and shopping safely or online through buydonegal.com. Once a purchase had been made, people are asked to post on social media with the hashtag #BuyDonegal or as Gaeilge #CeannaighDúnnanGall, which will help to continue to support and showcase Donegal business to audiences both locally and further afield.