ShopBallinasloe.ie celebrates five years
ShopBallinasloe.ie, an online community marketplace aimed at supporting businesses in the town, marked its fifth anniversary with a recent coffee morning at the Ballinasloe Enterprise Hub.
The coffee morning brought together business owners, community members and local representatives to acknowledge an online business initiative which showcases the town's resilience and spirit.
Launched in early April 2020, just weeks after the onset of the first COVID-19 lockdown, ShopBallinasloe.ie emerged as a vital resource for local retailers during one of the most challenging periods in recent memory.
ShopBallinasloe.ie co-founder Niamh Connaughton Creaven said that what started as a straightforward directory and voucher platform has since evolved into a lively hub for shopping, collaboration, and community connection.
“When ShopBallinasloe was first established, our aim was to provide practical support to local businesses. Reaching this five year milestone and seeing the positive difference it has made to the town is truly gratifying. It’s a real reflection of the dedication and resilience of our community," the co-founder said.
Since its inception, ShopBallinasloe.ie has helped retain over €500,000 in the local economy, thanks to a combination of online sales, town voucher purchases and direct enquiries to participating retailers.
The popular town voucher scheme remains at the heart of the initiative, offering no fees for customers, no commission for businesses and no loss of value for users.
"Vouchers have become a popular choice for gifts and staff rewards, ensuring that money continues to circulate within Ballinasloe’s economy," Ms Connaughton Creaven added.
To mark the five year milestone, new ShopBallinasloe signage has been unveiled around the town, celebrating the continued success of the initiative. These signs also highlight local suppliers and businesses who sell and accept the ShopBallinasloe town voucher.
Businesses will also be receiving new store stickers reading 'Spend Your Vouchers Here' making it even easier for shoppers to spot where their vouchers are welcome. The full list of participating businesses is available at www.shopballinasloe.ie.
ShopBallinasloe.ie is a joint initiative between Araya Business Support Services (Honoria Mitchell Black and Niamh Connaughton Creaven) and Kickstart Web Design (Joe Glennon).