Make your business Age Friendly and watch it grow!
Cavan,Cootehill and Virginia businesses are invited to help grow their customer base by participating in the Age Friendly Business Recognition Scheme.
Did you know that there are more than one million older people (aged 60 years plus) living and shopping in Ireland, a number that is growing all the time? Older people account for 50% of consumer spending. They have the time to shop, they like to shop and they are loyal customers.
They will come back to you again and again if you make the consumer experience comfortable and pleasant for them. If you are a business owner, are you doing everything you can to capture and retain this powerful customer base?
For the past few years, businesses all over Ireland have obtained their Age Friendly Charters as part of the Age Friendly Ireland Programme, and have proudly displayed their Age Friendly status on their shop window or in their reception area. They know that, by doing this, they signal strongly to our older community that they are welcome, resulting in increased custom and loyalty.
Cavan Age Friendly Programme in partnership with Cavan Local Enterprise Office, the Cavan Older Persons Council, Cavan Chamber of Commerce, Cootehill Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Development Association and Virginia Town Teams are inviting all businesses in these areas to take part in this Age Friendly Business Initiative, it will give businesses the recognition for dealing with older people in an Age Friendly way.
Reaping the rewards
Twenty six Cavan businesses have participated in the scheme to date and are currently reaping the rewards of their Age Friendly designation. Participating in the scheme involves four simple steps:
- Firstly, identify a member of staff to act as a champion for age friendliness; - Secondly, attend the information training event in your area; - Thirdly, consult with your older customers; and - Finally, create a Commitment to Age Friendliness with three actions.
Examples of simple, helpful actions that can be undertaken include offering products and/or services that are appropriate for older adults, eg single portions, making discounts or special offers available for older adults when possible, offering assistance with shopping and simply providing friendly, respectful human contact, in person and on the phone. So participating on the programme can be of low cost or no cost at all to businesses but it can help them to increase a loyal customer base and of most importance, it is the right thing to do.
FREE Age Friendly Business Training will take place via Zoom on Tuesday, July 13, 10am to 12pm.
To find out more about the Cavan Age Friendly Business Recognition Programme and / or register for the training please contact Gráinne, Age Friendly Programme 086-0662171 agefriendly@cavancoco.ie