“Shopping on a local high street isn’t just a transaction – it’s an act of community building”

There’s something special about walking through a town you love. The smile behind the counter of your local café. Or the way the florist remembers your favourite colour. Knowing the retailer will go out of their way to find you the perfect accessory for that special outfit.

Some towns just have a certain charm, and Carlow is one of them. Step inside almost any local business and you’ll find more than great service, you’ll find someone who loves what they do, and loves where they do it.

“These shops, cafés, and service providers are more than just places to buy goods or grab a coffee,” says Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise at Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Carlow. “They’re woven into the daily life of the community.”

Community at its core

The #ShopLocalShopCarlow campaign is a collaborative effort between Carlow County Council, Local Enterprise Office, Carlow Tourism, and County Carlow Chamber. It was inspired by an appreciation for the businesses that form the backbone of towns and villages and bring a place to life.

Following years of global uncertainty, Kieran says it’s important for all of us, as consumers, to reconnect with our local businesses.

“Every euro spent locally goes further, not just economically, but socially. When you shop local, you’re helping to pay wages for your neighbours, create jobs for young people, and keep the lights on in the very spaces that make a town feel vibrant and alive.”

ISME (Irish SME Association) backs this up, showing that over €7 of every €10 spent locally is reinvested in the local economy.

This supports not just jobs and suppliers, but also community events and charities. It also reduces transport emissions and waste, so your euro goes further in every way.

“Simply put,” Kieran adds, “shopping on a local high street isn’t just a transaction, it’s an act of community building.”

Local legends

From family-run shops to fresh new talent, Carlow Town has plenty of personality. Take Waterlilies, for example. Owned by Cian Waters, this award-winning café has earned its reputation for not only serving fantastic food, coffee and teas, but also delivering a very memorable customer experience. And anyone who knows Cian knows his passion for the breads they produce, which borders on obsession!

Meanwhile, over at Tribe Art Studio, Rose Lawlor is helping people explore their creativity through workshops and exhibitions. And people’s travel dreams are being tailored locally thanks to Tully’s Travel, a family-run agency led by Brian Dermody. In a world where creating memorable experiences has become so valued, both of these businesses are delivering above expectations.

Another local gem belongs to Ruth Byrne, owner of the award-winning Blake’s Hair Salon, a business that has been part of the town for nearly 50 years.

“I’ve been hairdressing for over 23 years now,” says Ruth. “The biggest moment in my career was taking over Blake’s Hair Salon four years ago. I had worked there for 21 years and always treated it like my own.”

Blake’s was originally opened by John and Mary Blake in 1976. Today, Ruth, who is the mother of two girls aged four and eight, sees herself as the “keeper of the gate,” honouring that long legacy.

“We’ve become a household name in Carlow, and this wouldn’t be possible without all the hard work of the amazing team.”

Known for great styling and friendly service, the salon is also doing exciting things in training and education as part of the National Hairdressing Apprenticeship - the first accredited qualification for hairdressers in Ireland.

“It’s a three-year programme and a fantastic opportunity for young people starting out.”

Support makes it possible

Ruth says the support she’s found within Carlow’s business community has been a huge part of her journey.

“I’ve reached out for support from groups like the Chamber of Commerce, other local business owners and Carlow County Council. No question is too small and no problem too big, and you don’t have to look far in Carlow.”

She also points to the importance of the little things, like remembering faces and knowing people’s names.

“At Blake’s, we pride ourselves on getting to really know our customers – whether they have been coming to us for decades, or they are new to Carlow and are looking to find a stylist that they can get to know and trust.”

If you’re new to town, Ruth has the perfect itinerary: “Come to Fairgreen and browse the lovely shops, have an amazing coffee and, of course, come to Blake’s Hair Salon where I can promise you will experience an appointment like no other!”

A town to be proud of

Supporting local isn’t just about economics, as research by Retail Excellence Ireland shows that over 70pc of consumers say they feel a stronger sense of trust and service when shopping locally.

In Carlow, small businesses aren’t just serving customers, “they’re part of people’s lives and reflect the heart and soul of the community”.

Kieran says, “Whether it’s seeing a regular walk through the door, helping someone find the perfect gift, suggesting that perfect option on the menu, or mentoring a young staff member on their first job, there's a real sense of connection.”

Remembering your name, your order, your preferences - that kind of genuine, person-to-person connection is rare in today’s retail world. For those who haven’t shopped local in a while, Kieran says, you can just start small.

“Pop into a local café you haven’t visited in a while, buy a birthday card from an independent gift shop, or treat yourself to lunch in a family-run restaurant.”

Even one choice to shop local can spark a chain reaction. It’s contagious.

“You’re likely to discover something new, meet someone passionate about what they do, hear the story behind the business and be reminded of the charm and character that makes Carlow special.”

Ready to fall in love with Carlow all over again? The next time you need a gift, a coffee, a haircut, or even just a great chat, start local.

Follow #ShopLocalShopCarlow on social media to meet the makers, discover hidden gems, and see how every euro you spend makes a real difference. Let’s keep Carlow buzzing - one shop, one story, one purchase at a time. Visit carlowtourism.com