Minister Emer Higgins Visits Ennis Retailers
Ennis Chamber had the opportunity this week, thanks to election candidate Leonora Carey, to introduce Minister Emer Higgins TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with responsibility for Business, Employment and Retail, to some of Ennis Chamber retail members.
After a lunch hosted by Allen Flynn at The Old Ground Hotel, Minister Higgins visited businesses along O’Connell Street, including BEO and The Well, County Boutique, Pat McCarthy Shoes, Seoidin and Willow.
There were positive exchanges about how best to tackle challenges facing retailers, and discussions around the use of websites and social media platforms to complement in-person shopping experiences. Businesses outlined how much of their business is now driven by, or realised online, and the commitment and investment it takes to stay up to speed with changes in the dynamic world of digital media.
The targeting of on-going grants and supports was discussed, as were the positive benefits gained through government-backed supports, including online trading vouchers through Clare Local Enterprise Office and higher level digital marketing supports from Enterprise Ireland.
Minister Higgins acknowledged challenges including the cost of doing business and empathised with the disruption caused by on-going Public Realm works. However, all agreed that Ennis will look very attractive once works are completed.
