Huge increase in Chamber's Mullingar Gift Vouchers this Christmas

Mullingar Chamber of Commerce has reported a huge increase in the number of its Mullingar Gift Vouchers that have been bought as gifts this year.

Last year, the chamber sold around €200,000 worth of the tax deductible vouchers, which can be used in over 130 local shops. However, up to this week over €260,000 worth of vouchers have been sold, an increase of 30 per cent.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, the president of the chamber John Geoghegan said that a large number of businesses had purchased the vouchers as Christmas gifts for their staff. Thanking them for thinking local this Christmas, he said that it is a huge vote of confidence in the town and local retailers.

“We are delighted. It is absolutely super. All this money will be kept in the town and we estimate that it will be worth about one million euros to the local economy.

“Nearly every business in town bought them for their staff and it's all tax deductible up to €500. It has been brilliant and we are absolutely thrilled.”

At the start of the year the chamber had set itself a target of selling €250,000 worth of vouchers, but John says that with ten days left in the year, he's hopeful that they will hit the €300,000 mark.

“We are delighted. In fairness, Aisling, the new office manager at the chamber, she oversaw the rebranding of the whole thing and it is a super product now.

“I think it will hit €300,000 by the end of the year. It just shows that people are happy to spend their money in the town.”

The year 2021 has been one of growth for the chamber, which increased its membership by almost 50 per cent. In early January it is launching the new #LoveMullingar brand, a spin off from the #WeAreMullingar video released last spring to promote the town following the easing of lockdown restrictions.