Report to reveal contribution of local shops`

RGDATA’s campaign features local retailers such as the Nolan family (Clontarf) who are the third generation in the family business

RGDATA and Friends First economist Jim Power to release a report detailing the socio-economic importance of the independent sector

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Independent grocers association, RGDATA is to publish a report on the important social and economic contribution of small local retailers in Ireland. The study, entitled ‘The True Value of Local Shops,’ is being prepared with the help of Friends First economist Jim Power.

“The report looks at the contribution that local shops make to their communities and to the national economy. It focuses on their employment contribution, the money they put into circulation in local economies; what they pay in terms of charges, what they pay in terms of wages. It’s their contribution to the economy, but it particularly hones in on how small, family-owned businesses differ from large mutlitnational businesses or others in terms of the overall role they play within a community,” commented RGDATA director general, Tara Buckley.

At the recent RGDATA Dublin road show, Jim Power presented top line data from the report, revealing that the country’s 6,000 locally-owned, independent shops, c-stores, forecourts and supermarkets provide: 95,000 jobs; €358 million in taxes, PRSI and levies; over €2 billion in wages; €57 million in commercial rates, and €36 million in local authority charges. In addition, advertising and sponsorship spend by the sector amounts to €150 million.

The road show also offered practical advice on categories, finance, and general business management, which RGDATA will be disseminating through its publication and website.

According to Buckley, “It’s very practical advice our members are seeking now. Our helpline is very busy. People are looking at their cost base, their staff numbers, and how they can manage that as efficiently as possible.”

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