Enniscorthy to Launch ‘Virtual Shopping Centre’ in Bid to Support Local Businesses

Enniscorthy is set to pilot a new and innovative initiative aimed at supporting local businesses and revitalizing the town’s economy. From 3pm tomorrow, a ‘virtual shopping centre’ will be launched, giving shoppers the ability to buy from multiple local businesses through one online platform. This project, which will run for 12 months, is supported by funding from Wexford County Council (WCC) and is being spearheaded by Tap Retail. The concept behind the virtual shopping centre is to create a seamless online shopping experience for consumers, allowing them to shop from a range of Enniscorthy’s traditional, family-run businesses. For example, shoppers will be able to order items from the butcher, greengrocer, off-licence, and other retailers, with the option for home delivery or click-and-collect. Stephen Hallahan, CEO and founder of Tap Retail, explained how the platform works during the October meeting of the Enniscorthy Municipal District. "A customer can sign up to Tap Retail, place an order with a local business, and have it delivered or choose to collect it themselves," he said. "The aim is to create a virtual shopping centre that consists entirely of local retailers, allowing you to shop online for everyday goods and have them delivered together, all from local businesses you know and trust." The virtual shopping centre is designed specifically for smaller businesses that may not have the resources or expertise to set up their own online platforms. It aims to level the playing field, allowing these businesses to compete with larger stores by tapping into the growing trend of online shopping. Hallahan also noted that the initiative will help tackle some of the key challenges facing shoppers in modern Ireland, particularly parking and congestion. "In many towns, parking and traffic are huge problems. Some customers can’t even make it into their local towns anymore," he explained. "This platform digitizes the local shopping experience, bringing it right to people’s doorsteps." While each store involved in the project will have its own individual online shop, the key to success, according to Hallahan, is the collective nature of the initiative. "Towns that have done well in this area are those that have worked together as a collective. We want to give retailers the opportunity to collaborate, supporting one another and strengthening their presence online." The initiative is receiving strong backing from Wexford County Council, which has allocated €15,000 towards the project. This funding will cover the majority of the setup and operational costs for the pilot, allowing the participating businesses to get started without bearing the full financial burden. In addition to supporting local businesses, Tap Retail’s platform is also expected to generate new employment opportunities in Enniscorthy. Delivery drivers will be recruited locally, with a focus on hiring from within County Wexford. This not only strengthens the local economy but also ensures that the benefits of the project stay within the community.