Hundreds of Small Businesses in Cities, Towns and Villages Across Ireland Will Come Together to Appeal to Shoppers to Buy Local

Green Friday, the brainchild of Cork-based duo Bronwyn Connolly and Meadhbh O’ Leary Fitzpatrick of Wild Design Collective, which aims to take a stand against the “mass consumerism” proliferated by Black Friday and highlight the value of small business in local communities, has been launched for the 4th year. Organisers say this is the most important year to date, as they encourage shoppers, businesses and local communities to come together and help each other at a time when the country has been brought to its knees as a result of one the most tumultuous years in Ireland’s recent history.

Local craft, design, hospitality, retail and other businesses all over the country are gearing up for this year’s Green Friday – November 27th. Over 250+ retailers in the cities, towns and villages of Ireland are teaming up to show shoppers their alternative to the Black Friday movement, which is dominated by large retailers all over the world.
Speaking in advance of the day, Bronwyn Connolly, Green Friday Co-Founder,
“It has been quite the year for us all and while business are really up against it, we have been so comforted and enthused by the fact that this year pretty much everyone is talking about buying local and showing a real and deep appreciation of the importance of supporting local economy. So, while in one sense it’s the toughest year ever, in another, we have a feeling that this could be the most successful Green Friday to date”.

The people behind Green Friday say the “bricks and mortar” shop traders are an especially precarious position this year having had to fully shut up shop for long periods of time. They are urging people, if at all possible, to look to these retailers and providers for their gifting needs for Christmas 2020.

Meadhbh O’ Leary Fitzpatrick, Green Friday Co-Founder, commented,
“ When you invest money in your local economy, you’re not just helping local business owners – you’re also helping yourself. You’re making your town a better place to live in, with a rich character, thriving economy, and tightly knit community. And the more local businesses prosper, the newer ones will open, making it even easier to continue shopping locally in the future”.
Green Friday is a collaborative initiative which, while asking consumers to play their part if they can, is also calling on businesses to do what they can to show their local communities and the people in them how important they are to them.
Connolly explained,
“Our customers are why businesses survive and thrive, so we are encouraging businesses to let them know in a meaningful way. For example, you may have a database of your existing customers, why not contact them directly in the weeks coming up to green Friday, thank them for their loyalty. We have come up with a few ideas that might also help businesses show their appreciation on the day:
• Plant a native tree for each purchase on this weekend
• Build Philanthropy into your offerings - Partner with a local charity and donate x% of sales
• Offer inspiration for Christmas Decor
• Free seasonal recipes
• A DIY Demo
• Free shipping
• Free Gift Wrap
• Offer payment plan
• Extended Return Policy
• Package deal - This can be great if you have a bricks and mortar store and you want to attract customers into your store on reopening
• Offer mini or light versions of deals
• A free demo online of whatever product/service you provide
• A free gift, or free card, a buy one get one free offer

Bronwyn Connolly concluded,
“Small businesses may not be in a position to offer the sweeping discounts big business giants do, but they can do something extra special for consumers and something arguably more meaningful and treasured. They can foster a mutual sense of appreciation and community and in this, of all years, it is needed more than ever.
Green Friday really is a grassroots movement of creativity and inspiration and we are proud of all those who have and will take part”.