Did you know that by spending your money in local independent stores, you’re simultaneously supporting the entire locality and ensuring that Galway maintains its beloved community-driven quality? Well you are! Meet some of our local Galway's Westend traders who want to share their grá for shopping local this Christmas time…
This December as well as celebrating the merriment of Christmastime in Galway, celebrate your local community by shopping and supporting local. In doing this you help to foster a vibrant community by supporting small independent businesses that are the beating heart of Galway. When you shop local, you invest directly into the local economy, enabling all these wonderful businesses to thrive, create more jobs and give back to local charities and other vital organisations. Our local shops also offer unique, handcrafted goods and personalised services that can't be found in larger international stores. Additionally, by reducing transportation needs, shopping locally contributes to a more sustainable environment. Building relationships with local business owners also adds a personal touch, creating a sense of belonging and community pride, making it a worthwhile choice this Christmas in Galway.
The Secret Garden is a beloved tea shop, café and gallery who is home to a very friendly cat named West. A popular choice for first dates, and friends catching up over a warming cuppa, the space is well known for being both cosy and relaxing and at the back you will find a doorway to their own secret garden. On the retail side of things as well all the artwork in their gallery being available for sale, they also have teas and other products available on their retail shelves. While chatting with owner, Mara Gedrovica, about the buzz of the festive season and the value of supporting our local communities, she tells us; “shopping local is a beautiful idea to support your local businesses, enjoy the extra care and trusted recommendations.” Look here for more on The Secret Garden.
“Hi, I’m Steve, owner of Aplomb. We’re the West of Ireland’s only fully sustainable clothing store. We offer men’s and women’s clothing and lifestyle goods made of organic/recycled materials which are good for you and the environment.” For stores like Aplomb who place sustainability at the core of their business ethos, this time of year goes a long way in ensuring the longevity of the business and all its suppliers. Steve adds; “shopping local is more important than ever. By shopping local it keeps businesses open, communities thriving and local people employed. You’re not going to see Amazon sponsor a table quiz or a local sports club.” Look here for more on Aplomb.
With six successful stores dotted throughout the city, Gourmet Tart Company continues to guarantee the people of Galway with fresh food, delicious flavours and excellent service all for an extremely reasonable price. The person behind it all, Michelle Hyland, met with us to discuss the Christmas rush and she explained to us why she believes it's always so important to show love to our communities by shopping local, saying; “Where we choose to shop or eat and meet – all of it makes our community home. It gives our neighbourhood a distinct character which makes it a ‘somewhere’ rather than an ‘anywhere.” Look here for more on Gourmet Tart Co.
For more information on Galway’s Westend and all of its amazing businesses, please follow the Galway’s Westend social media pages - Facebook, X, Instagram - so you never miss out on any updates and stay tuned for the upcoming giveaways on these pages. This article is supported by Galway City Council’s Shop Local Campaign.
All photos by Ciarán MacChoncarraige.
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