Have yourself a local little Christmas to save Irish business

Cork Chamber CEO said this year's Christmas shop is no longer about consumer preference but about keeping people at work

Chair of SME Recovery John Moran said in the run-up to Christmas, it is estimated that some 70% of consumer cash goes to multinationals via online purchases.

Business groups are urging Irish consumers to prioritise local businesses when shopping online this Christmas, warning that the fate of many could be decided on consumer's choices in the coming weeks. 

The calls come as many businesses are forced to close their brick and mortar stores today with just nine weeks to go before Christmas Day.