Local Ordering App yields £150k in sales for Strabane businesses

The easy to use service, which can be downloaded to smart phones via google play and the app store, allows users to order from their favourite local shops and takeaways from the comfort of their homes.

Chairman of the Strabane BID and Managing Director of O’Neills Sportswear Kieran Kennedy said the app has been particularly important to local businesses during the current restrictions to reduce the spread of the Covid 19 virus while still keeping the economy running.

“The My Local Ordering App has played a key role in connecting consumers with local businesses at a time when traditional face to face ordering has become more difficult, and in many cases, not possible at all.”

App owner, Nathan Stewart, said feedback on the app from local businesses had been exceptionally positive and hugely welcoming: “As we approach the four month mark since the launch, we are seeing more and more people availing of the service and businesses are experiencing a month on month growth in orders and sales.

“One local business took in £600 in its first month and over £4,000 in the second and they’ve also reported an increase in phone sales.

“The My Local Ordering App is user friendly for customers to download and place their order on.”

Sinead Lynch, Business Support Officer at Derry City and Strabane District Council also encouraged the community to keep money in the local economy by using the app when possible.

She added: “These are testing times for local entrepreneurs as they adapt to the challenges presented by the Covid 19 restrictions so I would encourage local people to keep money in the local economy by using the app.

“Current services include take away food, groceries and alcohol as well as gardening and DIY products which have been harder to access for local consumers.

“I am delighted that the app has recorded over £150,000 worth of sales for the local economy in four short months and I’m sure it will continue to serve the public and generate much needed revenue for businesses as we work through the stages of lockdown and return to more stable trading arrangements.”

The Strabane Business Improvement District BID is an initiative where businesses in the town work together and invest collectively in local improvements to the business environment.

It has been leading the way in raising the profile of Strabane Town since its formation a mere four years ago.

In 2019, it worked collaboratively with Council, Department for Communities and the wider business community in delivering an additional £30,000 investment in town centre improvements.

The BID also delivered the hugely successful Shop Local Gift Card initiative resulting in over £30,000 in sales for local businesses and is currently working on new programmes to support local businesses through COVID-19.

For more information and advice on BID or to arrange a meeting with one of the business team please email: [email protected] or visit instrabane.org.

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