Lockdowns and restrictions aside, 2021 was a busy year for Vincent’s. We were grateful when restrictions eased and we could once again open our doors to the 33 shops which serve as community hubs.
Retail
Back to Business for Vincent’s
From beautiful blue window displays to celebrate SVP Week, to going green during the Olympics campaign, when managers and teams were challenged to reach for gold in the run up to Christmas. One of the tactics focused on sustainability with Vincent’s shops across the Region tasked to make one small change to improve their green credentials. Ideas included changing to energy saving bulbs or introducing some plants instore which looked pretty and had health benefits too! During Second Hand September, shops received a special visit from their local Mayor on a factfinding mission to discover the importance of the work done by Vincent’s in the local communities – some even netted a bargain! UTV Life viewers were treated to a sustainable fashion feature when reporter Rita Fitzgerald met enthusiastic SVP models showcasing a range of looks on a wonderful waterfront setting. In late autumn the government’s Spend Local pre-paid card proved to be a hit with Vincent’s shoppers with 23 shops across the Region welcoming the card. Mary Waide, Regional President of SVP North Region, said: “With the boost in our purse from the Department for the Economy, it did my heart good knowing that people were really thinking about how redeeming the Spend Local pre-paid card could help those in need in our communities, even with the smallest of gestures, as advocated by our founder Frederic Ozanam almost 180 years ago.” Staff and volunteers really let their creative juices flow during special seasonal promotions like Hallowe’en and Christmas and instore projects included upcycling with wellie boots turned into planters in Ballymena and broken decorations used to create Christmas wreaths in Newcastle. Tracy Scott-Stewart, Manager of Vincent’s Kircubbin, celebrated her 100th open water swim at Cloughey Bay Beach with 35 friends who got ‘Into the Sea for SVP’ raising £850 for local Conferences. And Santa even brought his reindeer to launch his grotto in Keady! Vincent’s Newcastle extended its footprint on the Main Street by moving the furniture department next to clothes.
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