News

New outlets to spend your Shop LK Vouchers We are delighted to welcome some new outlets to our Shop Lk outlets. Sprint Educational Supplies, Market Centre have joined and vouchers are also now accepted in Next. We are delighted to see new members being added to Shop LK. Voucher sales are going really well this year and we are predicting record levels. Remember to check out the Shop LK website for the latest listing. We are also open on Saturday, Christmas Eve from 11am to 3pm. 20/12/2011

Christmas Opening Hours - 9 Days to Christmas We are well into the Christmas rush and hope to see lots of Santa shopping over the next 9 Days. All the shops are stocked ready to help you get that perfect gift. The choice and value can be found right here in Letterkenny where we can boast a very high number of independent traders, retail parks and shopping centres. Everything you need to make Christmas special. Most of the shops are now operating longer hours particularly on Thursday & Friday nights, and all are open through to Christmas Eve. While the Chamber office will be cloed over Christmas and we all take a long break the Shops will be open again, some on 26th December and most on 27th & 28th for all the bargains. The opening hours for many shops can be found at this link www.letterkennychamber.com/articles.php 16/12/2011

Saturday shopping to include ShopLK vouchers For next 3 Saturdays, 10th, 17th and 24th, vouchers can be purchased in Chamber office between 11am and 3pm. No excuse now for not buying vouchers! 09/12/2011

Attention Employers-Save up to 57% on Employee Bonus Under the Revenue Commissioners’ "Small Benefit Exemption" scheme, employers can give employees a ShopLK Voucher up to the value of €250 as a once-off benefit each Tax year. This is exempt from Income Tax, Universal Social Charge (USC) and employee & employer’s PRSI. The €250 ShopLK Voucher is tax free even if the employee is receiving other taxable benefits. The Revenue Commissioners do not require you to make a return in relation to this benefit but only one qualifying payment can be made each year. Employers & employees both benefit when a €250 bonus is paid in Shoplk vouchers. Employees are rewarded with the choice of what they and their family actually want and the company reaps the rewards of increased morale, productivity and loyalty. The tax advantages of the vouchers ensure both parties benefit from the reduced taxation. 02/12/2011

Christmas Lights 2011 The Christmas season will be officially launched with the big annual switch on of the town’s Christmas Lights on Friday 25th November. Santa will be dropping in from the North Pole to see the Town Mayor flick the switch to light up the town. The evening starts at 6pm in Market Square. As the crowd wait for Santa they will be entertained with carols sung by The Conwall Singers. The young people from Encore Performing Arts Academy will then perform Christmas songs, some Disney classics and some dancing from their recent show. Of course there will be a special appearance from Santa who may have some goodie bags for all the children who’ll be gathered to watch Market Square light up into a magical wonderland of lights. The beautiful tree outside the court house, supplied by Coillte is once again decorated with red bows handmade by Aids Help North West/Letterkenny Helpline. The switch on ceremony welcomes in the festive season and Letterkenny Chamber invites everyone along to kick off what we hope will be a happy, prosperous and healthy Christmas for all. The town will be lit up for the whole of the Christmas season putting everyone in a festive mood to celebrate all that is great about Letterkenny.

Tinneys Farm Toys & Models Tinney’s Farm Toys & Models will be open this coming bank holiday Monday from 2pm to 5pm. The mega farm toy shop on the Leck Road in Letterkenny has the largest range of farm toys and models in the North West at the best prices. But it’s not only tractor. The shop also carries an extensive range of Scaletrix race tracks, Hornby train sets, and collector’s models from the likes of Ertl, Corgi and Universal Hobbies. Tinney’s is the only official John Deere Toy store in the North West. So this Monday why not take a stroll through there shop on the Leck road, where you have free parking at the door. There Christmas club is now open and this year Tinney’s can also arrange delivery in Donegal from only €5.00, and from only €10.00 nationwide. For more information on their range of toys check out www.tinneysfarmtoys.ie or call into store which is open this bank holiday Monday from 2pm to 5pm. 27/10/2011

Chamber Gala Ball offer Classic Casuals have offered suit hire for €35 for Ball on 18th November in Silver Tassie--an offer not to miss! 28/10/2011

Benetton Halloween Promotion 25% off all kids stock. Double loyalty points on ladies spend €100 and get a €20 gift voucher FREE. This promotion is running from Wed.26th to Mon.31st of October 25/10/2011

ShopLK Mascot Eunan the Teddy Letterkenny native, Eunan, is back in town. After his first Teddy Bears Picnic in the woods at Ballymacool in the 1990’s, he became a bit of a festival junkie and soon took to the road. Oxygen, Electric Picnic, National Ploughing Championships, Puck Fair, Rose of Tralee and the Fleadh Ceoil soon followed. As his insatiable appetite developed, he felt he had outgrown Ireland and so went international. Starting at Glastonbury he festival-hopped across Europe and says the highlight of this experience was “running with the bulls in Pamplona”. Following his most recent camper van tour of New Zealand for the Rugby World cup and the heartbreak of the quarter-final, Eunan has decided to hand back his hiking boots, pack away his sat nav and is looking forward to enjoying the creature comforts that Letterkenny has to offer. A legendary veteran of Teddy Bear’s Picnic worldwide, Eunan enjoyed a lifestyle that most of us can only dream about. After being bitten by the festival bug after one such picnic in the woods at Ballymacool, he got itchy paws which found him travelling to every continent in search of the next picnic or party. As double world, Hide and Seek Champion, his celebrity status has seen him party with everyone from Simon Cowell to Keith Richards and Puff Daddy. Besides his wild nights of party’s and premiers, Eunan has competed with the very best. As well as Lord Lucan and the abominable snowman, he has also hidden from the entire crew of the Mary Celeste. Since arriving home, Eunan says he has been amazed at the transformation and value to be had in Letterkenny. “For the last few years I’ve done my shopping between Malin, Paris, New York and London, Sure it’s all smoke and mirrors in those places, and not one of them would have an honest to goodness bargain like you get in Letterkenny, it’s so good to he home, hai!” When asked if he wishes he had come home sooner, he replied, “Yeah maybe, if I’d gotten home sooner, maybe I could have gone for President. Looking at the seven candidates they put forward, I think it’s time for a non human to take the office! Each day from Monday 24th-Friday 28th October Eunan will be hiding out in one of our ShopLK outlets. Each day caller 20 to text into highland radio with Eunan’s whereabouts will win a shopping voucher that can be spent in one of our outlets. . So the word on everyone’s lips this October will be.............Where’s Eunan?!!! Check out our facebook page for pictures of Eunan and to win some great prizes. 19/10/2011

Riverside Shopping Hall Riverside Shopping Hall has joined ShopLK. Why not check out the outlets which offer a diverse range of crafts, services and products--a great retail variety to satisfy every customer taste. 01/10/2011

McFaddens Gift and Home/Nursery McFaddens have been established since 1973 and have a full range of items for you and your home from furniture to pictures to homewares and also a large range of gifts for all occasions. Also McFaddens is the longest established nursery in letterkenny catering for all your babies needs. Sale starting this Saturday 9th July until Saturday 23rd July. NOT TO BE MISSED! 5/07/2011

Shop LK continues to promote local shopping throughout the year. In the build up to the Letterkenny 400 weekend of events, we have booked an outside broadcast “Drive Time with Lee Gooch” on Highland Radio for Thursday 2nd June from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. It serves to create a buzz among listeners in particular and create a holiday mood in Letterkenny. In order to make it as interactive as possible we intend to have on air competitions, based on simple questions as well as some questions for shoppers who come to the OB during the programme. 01/06/2011

Countdown to Menary's Sale Tomorrow Saturday 28th May, Menarys are reducing stock by 50% from 9am until 11am. From 11am until 1pm stock will be reduced by 25% and from 1pm until 6pm stock will be reduced by 20%. An opportunity NOT to be missed!

Benetton, Letterkenny Shopping Centre For one week only we are offering customers a sunny deal on macs to cheer us up. In these rainy and stormy days we are giving 25% of all ladies macs and 25% of a kiddy mac. An opportunity not to be missed! 26/5/2011

Shop LK Vouchers sales increase by 48% Shop LK Vouchers sales soar Letterkenny Chamber are delighted to announce a 48% increase in sales of Shop LK vouchers over the two months leading up to Christmas. In the two months from 1st November to 31st December €160,240 worth of Shop LK vouchers were sold making this a record since the initiative started. Patrick McGinley commenting on these extraordinary sales figures commented “Last year total sales from November 09 to October 10 stood at a record high of €207,000. However this Christmas season has exceeded our expectations and this amazing increase of 48% is a real shot in the arm for Letterkenny. This is money that can only be spent here in the town and it contributes to supporting these outlets and most importantly supporting local jobs.” He continued “The Shop LK initiative offers local consumers an opportunity to support their local town in a really tangible way. We have had increasing sales year on year and the outlets involved in the initiative get real benefits. Many other towns have now developed local shopping initiatives but Letterkenny Chamber started Shop LK well before the recession and over the years it has caught the imagination of the general public.“ Letterkenny provides something unique not found in neighbouring towns and cities - a main street with many independent traders, a local town feel with high street names, a clean well kept town, ample and reasonably priced parking close to the shopping areas and not least helpful and friendly staff who will go that extra mile to give customers exactly what they need. The “Shop LK – Love Shopping Letterkenny” brand helps to underpin all that is good about shopping in Letterkenny. The Chamber makes no money from the sale or redemption of vouchers so every cent brought in through Shop LK is invested back into the promotion of the brand throughout the year. Through the Shop LK initiative Letterkenny Chamber has always advocated the principles of keeping it local. The brand and the vouchers are a way of celebrating all that is good in Letterkenny. Consumers now have a great deal of choice right here in Letterkenny with excellent value every day across a range of products. Shopping in Letterkenny is hassle free with lots of cheap and convenient parking, lots of places to eat and relax and less money to spend on petrol. All in all the shopping experience here in Letterkenny is friendly, convenient and hassle free. Commenting on the increase Toni Forrester Chamber Chief Executive said “ We knew sales were increasing this year but we were cautious until we saw the final figure. The Chamber office was selling vouchers every day in the run up to Christmas with staff just about keeping up with the demand. Vouchers were bought by businesses as tax efficient bonuses, by organisations as prizes and by the general public who have really taken this initiative to their hearts. Over the last two years we have noticed that the range of people buying the vouchers has widened as people like the idea of a voucher and many comment on the idea that they are supporting the local community. Letterkenny Chamber could not run this highly successful initiative without the support of FAS community employment programme through which the Chamber is staffed. It is the frontline staff in the Chamber that provide the much needed resources throughout the year but most especially at these busy periods and the support of FAS is very much appreciated. “ The Chamber President finished by saying “with increases in the region of 48% we are optimistic that sales will increase throughout the year and we are well on our way to selling the first million in vouchers. This is all great news for the 85 Shop LK members and for Letterkenny as a town”. Ends For more information contact Toni at Letterkenny Chamber on 074 9124866 Visit the Shop LK website www.shoplk.ie Shop LK Vouchers sales soar Letterkenny Chamber are delighted to announce a 48% increase in sales of Shop LK vouchers over the two months leading up to Christmas. In the two months from 1st November to 31st December €160,240 worth of Shop LK vouchers were sold making this a record since the initiative started. Patrick McGinley commenting on these extraordinary sales figures commented “Last year total sales from November 09 to October 10 stood at a record high of €207,000. However this Christmas season has exceeded our expectations and this amazing increase of 48% is a real shot in the arm for Letterkenny. This is money that can only be spent here in the town and it contributes to supporting these outlets and most importantly supporting local jobs.” He continued “The Shop LK initiative offers local consumers an opportunity to support their local town in a really tangible way. We have had increasing sales year on year and the outlets involved in the initiative get real benefits. Many other towns have now developed local shopping initiatives but Letterkenny Chamber started Shop LK well before the recession and over the years it has caught the imagination of the general public.“ Letterkenny provides something unique not found in neighbouring towns and cities - a main street with many independent traders, a local town feel with high street names, a clean well kept town, ample and reasonably priced parking close to the shopping areas and not least helpful and friendly staff who will go that extra mile to give customers exactly what they need. The “Shop LK – Love Shopping Letterkenny” brand helps to underpin all that is good about shopping in Letterkenny. The Chamber makes no money from the sale or redemption of vouchers so every cent brought in through Shop LK is invested back into the promotion of the brand throughout the year. Through the Shop LK initiative Letterkenny Chamber has always advocated the principles of keeping it local. The brand and the vouchers are a way of celebrating all that is good in Letterkenny. Consumers now have a great deal of choice right here in Letterkenny with excellent value every day across a range of products. Shopping in Letterkenny is hassle free with lots of cheap and convenient parking, lots of places to eat and relax and less money to spend on petrol. All in all the shopping experience here in Letterkenny is friendly, convenient and hassle free. Commenting on the increase Toni Forrester Chamber Chief Executive said “ We knew sales were increasing this year but we were cautious until we saw the final figure. The Chamber office was selling vouchers every day in the run up to Christmas with staff just about keeping up with the demand. Vouchers were bought by businesses as tax efficient bonuses, by organisations as prizes and by the general public who have really taken this initiative to their hearts. Over the last two years we have noticed that the range of people buying the vouchers has widened as people like the idea of a voucher and many comment on the idea that they are supporting the local community. Letterkenny Chamber could not run this highly successful initiative without the support of FAS community employment programme through which the Chamber is staffed. It is the frontline staff in the Chamber that provide the much needed resources throughout the year but most especially at these busy periods and the support of FAS is very much appreciated. “ The Chamber President finished by saying “with increases in the region of 48% we are optimistic that sales will increase throughout the year and we are well on our way to selling the first million in vouchers. This is all great news for the 85 Shop LK members and for Letterkenny as a town”. 21/1/2011

Outside Broadcast postponed Unfortunately due to the adverse weather conditions we have decided to postpone the Outside Broadcast that was due to take place this afternoon. We may be able to do something next week but will decide on Monday if we can go ahead with it. We've some lovely prizes gathered so hopefully we'll be able to do it again. The Chamber office is open to 6pm this evening and over the weekend so if you need Shop LK vouchers please give them a call to order. 17/12/2010

Shop LK Outside Broadcast - Promoting local Christmas Shopping Highland Radio will be broadcasting live from Letterkenny Main Street on Friday 17th December from 3.30pm. The Lee Gooch show will be live outside the Letterkenny Court Hotel to celebrate Christmas shopping in Letterkenny. There will be prizes for listeners and shoppers from shops all over Letterkenny and Chamber staff will be there with some goody bags. Listen in or come along and join in with the shopping fun this Christmas in Letterkenny. Taking place in conjunction with ShopLK - Love Shopping Letterkenny. www.letterkennychamber.com 16/12/2010

Chamber opening hours for ShopLk voucher sales in December Chamber office opening until 6pm from 13th until 17th December, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th December from 12 noon until 4pm, Monday 20th until Thursday 23rd opening until 6pm and 24th Christmas Eve from 11am until 3pm. 25/11/2010

Dunnes Stores Christmas Opening hours From 15th-17th December incl. opening until 11pm, 18th & 19th Dec opening until 9pm. From 20th until 23rd opening until 12pm. Monday 27th opening 11am until 7pm. New Years Day opening from 11am until 7pm. 25/11/2010

Trick or Treat--win prizes on the Street Join us on Saturday 30th from 1pm until 3.30pm, answer a simple question and win a prize from McDonalds, Argos or Cafe Calise. Also lots of sweets from Dunnes Stores. Listen out for the Spooky Laugh around Town..... be afraid, be very afraid.......! 30/10/2010

Trick or treat – win prizes on the street The Halloween Spooky shopping extravaganza is back. There are great offers across the whole town with Shop LK right through the Halloween Holidays. Call in to shops with the Shop LK poster and join in the fun. Then on Saturday 30th listen out for the “thriller” laugh and see if you can win some fabulous prizes. Lee Gooch, of Highland Radio fame will be dressed up, travelling round Letterkenny from 12pm to 3pm getting unsuspecting shoppers to join in the fun. There are spot prizes and vouchers to be won. Just follow the spooky music and you might be lucky. Vouchers and prizes have been donated by businesses all over town and we want everyone to join in the fun. So if you’re out and about on Saturday 30th listen for spooky music and the Shop LK jeep. Toni Forrester, Letterkenny Chamber CEO said “last year we had a great time all over Letterkenny, so this year it’s bigger and better with over 50 prizes to give away. You’ll see the Shop LK jeep and hear the music all over the town, so when we park just come along, answer a question and you might be a winner. If you’re out for the day we’d love anyone of any age to join in and we can really put Letterkenny on the map for Halloween”. Shopping in Letterkenny has never been better this Halloween. There are bargains, value and lots of convenient parking. Letterkenny has all the brands you like at the right prices all in one town. Into the bargain if you shop local this Halloween you’ll have time for a coffee, lunch or evening meal in one of the many cafes and restaurants. This Halloween shop in Letterkenny, it’s convenient, friendly and great value. Visit the Shop LK Website to find out more www.shoplk.ie 30/10/2010

Trick or Treat--win prizes on the Street Join us on Saturday 30th from 1pm until 3.30pm, answer a simple question and win a voucher from McGees Butchers, Aanees Flowers and Gifts or Paco. Listen out for the Spooky Laugh around Town..... be afraid, be very afraid.......! 30/10/2010

Trick or Treat--win prizes on the Street Join us on Saturday 30th from 1pm until 3.30pm, answer a simple question and win a prize from Chateau,Boots, Foys, Menary's, Tempest or Brian McCormick Sports. Listen out for the Spooky Laugh around Town..... be afraid, be very afraid.......! 30/10/2010

Trick or Treat--win prizes on the Street Join us on Saturday 30th from 1pm until 3.30pm, answer a simple question and win a voucher from The Natural Way Health Shop,4 Lanterns/Subs, Evolve, Penneys,or Century Cinema. Listen out for the Spooky Laugh around town..be afraid, be very afraid........! 30/10/2010

Shop LK & Franklins - a great partnership Franklins Lettings will give a Free Shop LK Voucher for every property rented. What a great way to use Shop LK vouchers. See the ad in this week's Letterkenny Post 30/7/2010

Euro Sterling Exchange Rate The Euro Sterling exchange rate is finally changing in favour of Shop LK members. Today €1=£0.83 or £1=€1.21. Good news for traders here in Letterkenny. Opportunity to get the message out that there's even better value right here. 11/6/2010

Credit Cards Accepted Shop LK vouchers can now be purchased with Laser and Credit Cards at the Chamber Office, Grand central Complex, Canal Road. Online will be available very soon. Watch this space. 28/05/2010

Donegal Live Retail Stand We had a great day at Donegal Live yesterday promoting Donegal Retail and Donegal Products. A great mixture of crafts, clothing, seaweed products and old favourites Oatfield Sweets and Football Special.Great way to celebrate all that is good about Donegal. 17/5/2010

Bennetton Letterkenny Benetton Kids in Benetton, Letterkenny Shopping Centre i shaving a 4 hour Half Price Sale on Saturday 15th May 2pm – 6pm only. all Spring/Summer stock - 50%. unbelievable offer. Check them out on Facebook or go to www.bennetton.com 14/05/2010

Pay Solicitor fees with Vouchers Did you know that a solicitor in town takes Shop LK vouchers. Garry Clarke Solicitors joined the Shop LK scheme and will gladly take Shop LK vouchers as payment or part payment. 27/04/2010

Letterkenny Shopping Centre Celebrates 25 years Don't forget Letterkenny Shopping Centre's Birthday Party celebrations are now in full swing! Pick up an entry form instore and be in with a chance to win over 5,000 euro in prizes! You can also check out www.letterkennyshoppingcentre.com or local press for more details! 16/04/2010

Bastille Bistro Now Open You can now spend your Shop LK vouchers in newly opened Bastille Bistro, High Road Letterkenny. Open 12pm to late Tuesday to Sunday. Full menu served all day bringing a taste of Paris to letterkenny with prices that won't pinch. For reservations tel: 074 9128300 15/04/2010

Easter Egg Hunt Prizes Great family prizes have been sponsored by: The Natural Way; Value Centre; Aura; La Maison; B-Bobs; Clive Wasson; Bastille Bistro; Silver Tassie Hotel; Radisson Blu Hotel. Our thanks to all for their generosity in helping to make this a great day out. 16/03/2010

Shop LK and the Easter Egg Treasure Hunt Earagail Arts Festival and Shop LK present an "eggciting" day out on Easter Sunday 4th April at Ards Forest Park, Sheephaven Bay. Plenty of surprises and fun for all the family. Featuring In your Space Walkabout Theatre, facepainters, egg painting and there's even a cafe on site. Treasure hunts at 2pm, 3pm & 4pm. Prizes have been donated and sponsored by Shop LK members. Tickets €25 per family available at www.eaf.ie or 074 9120777. 16/03/2010

Currys no longer taking vouchers Unfortunately due to technology issues Currys can no longer accept Shop LK Vouchers. Currys remained on the list given out with vouchers sold before Christmas. We hope you will accept our apologies for any inconvenience this may cause. 08/01/2010

Shop LK Poster Competition Shop LK in association with The Streat Cafe and The Fabric Centre were delighted to announce the winner of the poster competition. The snowy entry was by Niamh Horan, Age 11, Glenswilly National School. 21/12/2009

Shop LK - Making your wishes come true this Christmas Well it's the busy season for Shop LK vouchers. This year we've sold over €200k worth as presents, bonuses and treats. We've has ads on radio and in the papers and have our Christmas campaign posters in all participating oputlets and on the three council locations at Polestar, Ballymacool and Hospital roundabouts. On behalf of all involved in Shop LK we wish you a joyful and peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year. 21/12/2009

The Fabric Centre's November Promotion The Fabric Centre is delighted to announce that they will provide Free Lining on ALL curtains ordered during November. Hurry along and get your order in on time for Christmas :) 20/10/2009