Further round of Online Retail Scheme needed to help businesses strengthen sales and customer base – Dillon

An additional round of funding under the Online Retail Scheme is required to help business further strengthen their online offerings and reach more customers, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Mayo TD, Alan Dillon, said the scheme should also include SMEs to complement those who have been successful to date in securing this gamechanger funding for the retail sector.

Deputy Dillon said: “The COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme has been a real success in helping Irish retailers adapt to the impact of the pandemic and in sustaining trade since its launch last year.

“To date, 503 retailers have been approved funding of €18.2 million under the COVID-19 Online Retail Scheme, with the latest round of funding announced by my colleague, Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail at the Department of Enterprise, Damien English TD.

“The scheme supports indigenous Irish retailers to sustain their business through the crisis and into the future by strengthening their online offering, increasing their customer base, and building a more resilient business in the domestic and global marketplace, both online and offline.

“I am aware Minister English has been meeting with Chambers of Commerce around the country, including Castlebar Chamber in Mayo, and the issue of an additional round of funding under the scheme has been raised.  I know that in my own county of Mayo, feedback on the scheme from local businesses has been positive as it helped them develop their online presence and become more resilient.

“Businesses that apply must employ 10 or more people, have an existing online presence through a website or social media, and have a retail outlet from which they derive the majority of their revenue.

“The world of retail is changing due to the increasing prevalence of online shopping, requiring businesses to adopt new technologies and create more distinctive offerings in their stores.

“Other supports are available for businesses that do not qualify for the Online Retail Scheme such as the Trading Online Voucher Scheme, in addition to income supports, loans and grants.

“The Government has not been found wanting in helping businesses adapt to this change and it is also committed to helping businesses get back on track after the crisis. I would really encourage consumers to support local businesses in their communities as much as they can, particularly over the summer months when many people are holidaying at home.

“I hope that a further funding round under this scheme will be made available for businesses, to complement and drive on the success of previous rounds of funding for the retail sector.”