Shoppers can do “something practical and positive” for businesses around the country this weekend by ignoring Black Friday and buying Irish.

Retailers around the country are taking part in ‘Green Friday’ today in a bid to convince people to support their local shops, artists and businesses.

On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Lisa Tonge, Owner of The Green Dot design shop in Clonakilty, West Cork, said Green Friday is a grassroots movement around the country.

   

“It is to focus people on small, local businesses and people in our towns and communities and how we can keep our communities vibrant and alive in these very strange times we are in,” she said.

“The discount culture of Black Friday, it doesn’t work for us small businesses, only the big boys, and your local business can provide so much more really.”

She said the Green Dot features the work of around seventy local craftspeople.

“We are kind of unique in that we are a local business but also everything you purchase here will filter back down to the towns and communities around the country.

“We think it is really important to remember and think about where you are getting your products from and as well, how things are made.”

The shop will be planting a tree for every sale this weekend.

“We have these lovely tree tokens that we provide with all our purchases,” she said.

“Also, I know other places are providing say 10% of their income from this weekend to support Cork Penny Dinners.

“It is just a different way of giving something back to the local community and a kind of a thank you for all the support we have been getting from people over the last while.”

Ms Tonge said Green Friday offers people a chance to do something practical and positive for local businesses around the country.

“Your choices really matter this weekend and coming up to Christmas for small businesses,” she said.

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