Enniscorthy Launches County Wexford's First Digital Retail Village

On Friday, December 12th, Enniscorthy unveiled its innovative Digital Retail Village, marking a significant milestone for the town and County Wexford's retail landscape. Officially launched in Market Square, this digital initiative aims to bring local businesses together under one shared online platform, allowing customers to shop from multiple stores in a single transaction, supporting the local economy in the process. The project, funded as a pilot initiative by Wexford County Council’s Local Enterprise Office and Enniscorthy Municipal District, brings together a diverse group of local retailers, including Staffords Butcher Shop, Evolv Health and Wellbeing Store, Toyful, Authentic European Food Shop, Londis, Prep & Go Meals, Mahady Breen & Co, My Sport, Pet Depot, Meraki Greek Street Food, General Office and School Supplies, Reid’s Off License, Gillen’s Cafe and Meet Brazil. These businesses can now reach new customers through a collective digital presence that offers the convenience of online shopping with the local touch. The platform was designed by Stephen Hallihan, Founder and CEO of Tap Retail, an innovative Irish retail platform that aims to help small businesses compete with large online retailers. Hallihan's vision for the Digital Retail Village focuses on making it easier for customers to support local businesses while providing small retailers with essential digital tools to grow their presence. Key features of the Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village include: - A centralized online shopping hub showcasing local businesses in Enniscorthy. - Easy-to-use eCommerce tools designed to help small retailers reach broader audiences. - Training and ongoing digital support for participating businesses. - Collective marketing efforts aimed at strengthening the “shop local” message. - Click-and-collect and delivery options, with free delivery within a 3km radius, making it easier than ever for people to shop locally. Stephen Hallihan, speaking about the launch, emphasized the impact of the initiative: "The Digital Retail Village gives independent local retailers the digital tools they need to compete with big online platforms, while making it simple for customers to choose local first. It's about creating something that works for retailers, customers, and the community as a whole. I am excited to see the positive impact this will have." The initiative has received strong support from local authorities. Breege Cosgrave, Head of Enterprise & Economic Development at Wexford County Council, highlighted the importance of supporting small businesses: "Supporting small businesses is at the core of everything we do at the Local Enterprise Office. The Enniscorthy Digital Retail Village is an excellent example of how digital innovation can help local retailers grow, compete, and remain visible in a rapidly changing marketplace." Cllr. Barbara Anne Murphy, Cathaoirleach of Enniscorthy Municipal District, underscored the significance of the project for the town’s local economy: "The Digital Retail Village is a major step forward in supporting small businesses and ensuring our town’s retail sector stays strong. By making it easier than ever to shop local, we are ensuring that Enniscorthy’s independent retailers remain at the heart of our community. This initiative shows the power of collaboration and innovation in protecting our local economy."