The Mayor of Ards, Councillor Philip Smith, is encouraging residents to support Ards businesses by shopping local this Christmas.
He said: “I am asking residents to support the local economy by purchasing their Christmas presents from small, Ards business rather than chain stores, generating income for local traders, many of whom depend on Christmas income. This is especially pertinent this year since public realm schemes have been taking place in Comber, Donaghadee and Newtownards causing some, albeit minor, disruption. This work will ultimately transform the look and feel of the town centres making them more attractive visitor destinations.”
“There’s a great range of shops in towns across the Ards Borough, from shoes, to toys, clothes and games and much more. I have no doubt that you could find something for everyone while shopping locally and supporting Ards traders. I will be shopping in the area this Christmas. Why not join me!”
The Mayor’s message follows on the back of the regional ‘Shop Local’ campaign which was launched on Small Business Saturday (6 December) and is supported by statistics which predicted that if each person were to spend £100 a year more in small businesses it would put an extra £3million into the local economy (#shoplocalbusinesses).
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