'Black Friday' mania to kick-start festive shopping season in Longford

Over 100 local businesses have signed up to take part in the Chamber of Commerce initiative and Chamber President, Niamh Donlon, says traders are gearing up for the busiest Black Friday since Longford became the first town to promote the event five years ago.

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It is surely starting to feel a little like Christmas now as the Chamber of Commerce ups the ante for its annual Black Friday promotional event in Longford town.

Longford was the first town in Ireland to run a dedicated Black Friday promotion and this year sees the fifth weekend sales' initiative.

Ms Donlon, said: "There has been a great buzz building over the past couple of weeks and I know that traders and retailers have really pushed the boundaries with offers this year. I reckon this is the most competitive 'Black Friday' that I have seen in the context of pricing and value for money."

All the participating businesses feed into a marketing fund which will enable the Chamber to undertake an ambitious online, print and local radio campaign aimed at encouraging people to shop local again this year.

Throughout the build-up to Black Friday weekend (Friday Nov 23) and in the lead -up to the turning on of the Christmas light on Friday, Nov 30, participating businesses will be promoted on the Chamber and dedicated Black Friday Facebook pages.

This year the Chamber are giving away a top prize of €250 and then also four hampers to five lucky shoppers who visit Longford over the two weekends.

To enter in the draw, you simply have to shop in any of the participating stores and they will then enter your name in the big draw. All winners will be announced on Friday, November 30 when the Christmas lights are switched on.

The annual switching on of the lights is organised by Longford Co Council in association with the Chamber of Commerce and last year more than 2000 people came into town for the annual spectacle.
Free off street parking will be available once again this year in the build up to Christmas.

Also with the 'Black Friday' promotion taking place one week earlier than the turning on of the lights, this year, free parking also kicks in a week earlier.

Free off street parking over the Christmas period is as follows: Fri-Sat, Nov 23-24 & Fri, Nov 30; Saturdays, Dec 1 & 8 and then daily from December 15, 2018 to January 2, 2019 inclusive.