Local businesses urged to offer 'click and collect' service

Roscommon-Galway TD Denis Naughten is urging local businesses to introduce a click and collect system - using the Trading Online Voucher Scheme - following Government confirmation that such businesses can continue to trade under Level 5 restrictions.

As part of the restrictions businesses can continue to trade if they operate “an online or other remote system of ordering goods for purposes of collection at the retail outlet”.

“I am delighted to see that the Government is adopting my proposal for click and collect shopping during lockdown," said Deputy Naughten (pictured above).

This is the most important time of the year for many small businesses as the festive season approaches and this could be the lifeline that many of those businesses need," continued Deputy Naughten, who is Chair of the Dáil Committee on Social Protection, Community and Rural Development and the Islands.

“During Covid-19 offering a click and collect service will help businesses to appeal to those who wish to continue to shop local."

The Trading Online Voucher offers financial assistance in the form of a 90 per cent grant of up to €2,500, along with training and advice to help businesses to drive online sales.

In addition, businesses who previously received support under the scheme can now apply for a second voucher, where upgrades are required – such as adding a click and collect service to a website.

“With the busiest time of year looming for retailers, now is the time to get businesses online or to introduce a click and collect service,” added Deputy Naughten.

Details of the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, as well as other supports for businesses, are available from the Local Enterprise Office at https://www.localenterprise.ie/Find-Your-Local-Enterprise-Office/.