Dundalk Chamber in association with The Digital Bakery has just launched a new video to promote Shop Local Gift Vouchers. The video gives you a sample of some of the businesses where you can spend the vouchers. For a full list log on to http://shoplocal.dundalk.ie and see all the 270 businesses who are accepting the vouchers.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbMnugZGpnY%5B/embedyt%5D
Speaking at the launch Michael Gaynor President of Dundalk Chamber said that the “Vouchers are a welcome addition to retailers in the town and he is encouraging members of the public and the business community to continue to get behind the “Shop Local Gift Vouchers” this Christmas and give them as Christmas presents to family and staff.
“With just over €750,000 sold to date, they have been a resounding success,” commented Michael.
Paddy Malone PRO of Dundalk Chamber commented on the vouchers saying the give the receiver “the gift of choice as they can be spent in Toy Shops, Restaurants, Hair Salons, Gift Stores, Gyms, Beautician, Clothes shops, and much more – you will be amazed with the selection of businesses now redeeming them.“ The vouchers now come in a €5 denomination as well as €10, €20 and €50’s and they can be spent in over 270 shops all over Dundalk and surrounding areas.
Paddy would like to encourage local employers to get behind this voucher scheme and give the Shop Local Gift Vouchers as the Christmas Bonus this year. Employers can save 56% on staff rewards by giving employees a Shop Local Gift Voucher instead of cash. Michael mentioned that “Businesses can reward their staff with a €500 tax free payment. You are entitled to give one each and every year. Under the Small Benefits Exemption Scheme, company Directors and Employees can receive a non-cash bonus of up to €500 in value on a completely tax free basis each year and he would encourage all employers to buy this voucher for the town”.
By buying the Shop Local Gift Vouchers not only can you save money by taking advantage of the Government Small Benefit Exemption Scheme but it is also a fully deductible business expense for your company. If you haven’t availed of the Small Benefit Exemption Scheme so far in 2016, Michael would encourage you do so before 31st December 2017 and use Shop Local Gift Vouchers for this. Michael Gaynor also stated that “Directors of a limited company can avail of a €500 tax free payment as they are considered an employee of the business. Unfortunately this benefit does not apply to Sole traders / Partnerships however it would apply to their employees.”
The beauty of these vouchers is that they do not expire and the shops get the full amount back. They do not lose value over time. Members of the public can buy the vouchers in Grants Dublin St, McCuskers in Earl St, Central News Clanbrassil St, Centra Blackrock, Sheelans in Riverstown, Finnegans in Louth Village , Flanaga’s Mace and Victorys Centra in Dunleer.
You can also purchase them online on https://dundalk.ie/vouchers – there is no charge for delivery. The vouchers can also be purchased directly from the Dundalk Chamber of Commerce Office by calling Brenda on Tel: 042 9336343 or email vouchers@dundalk.ie