Some of the many traders in Irvinestown who will be offering different promotions in April to their many customers. They are from left, Gerry McNamee, Gary Walker,Clare Forde, Tom Reade, Lorna Graham, Lorraine Humes, Joe Mahon, Ted Maguire and Dean Coalter
IN A BID to revitalise retail in the town the innovative traders of Irvinestown will hold a two-week shopping promotion starting next month.
One of the organisers Gerry McNamee of Car Zone NI, Irvinestown explained that local traders decided to get together to form a working committee and from there ‘Cheque out Irvinestown’ was born.
“Irvinestown is a hidden gem as far as shopping goes, they’re all family shops, offer really good value for money and the personal attention.”
The promotion will run from Saturday April 12 through to April 26 and shoppers will get the chance to avail of a ‘cheque’ promotion booklet including vouchers from participating businesses.
Each booklet will contain 50 vouchers, redeemable at any of the participating stores during the two week period.
There is also a competition element within the booklet where customers answer a question and can win £1000 worth of shopping vouchers redeemable in Irvinestown.
First prize is £500 while there are also 10 runner up prizes of £50. During the two week period the traders will also put on street entertainment, competitions and a children’s disco.
“It is a great achievement for the town to do something like this. All the businesses are very enthusiastic and really put their backs against the wall. They have been burning the midnight oil and are giving the recession the last kick.
“Our real hope is to highlight Irvinestown as a good shopping town and bring people back again and again. They will come for the value, but stay for the service.”
Local trader Trevor Kirkpatrick, part of the committee explained his hope that not only will the initiative bring more people into the town over the Easter period, but it will help the Chamber of Commerce return to its former glory.
“It is about getting people back into the town and showing them what we have to offer.
“The small towns are all left behind and if we don’t do something nothing will happen.
“Between Enniskillen and Omagh this would be the main town and it should be a strong town. We’re trying to get the passing trade from Enniskillen and we need something to invite people in.”
Irvinestown SDLP councillor John O’Kane added: “Businesses in Irvinestown always show great initiative, that is why it is a thriving and prosperous town. Even in the current recession several new shops have opened. The traders do not sit back, rather they are working diligently to ensure the town goes well.
“There were concerns that the one hour stay two hour waiting parking restraints would have a detrimental effect, but that hasn’t been the case as every time I am down through the town it is busy.
“The people are positive and I think the future is relatively bright. There is no point in complaining, doing things like this are a way of creating positive outcomes.”
‘Cheque Out Irvinestown’ will run from Saturday April 12 through until April 26.
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