Record €9.2 million boost for Letterkenny economy through ShopLK in 2025

Letterkenny’s shop local initiative, ShopLK, has recorded another exceptional year, marking its 21st consecutive year of growth.

In 2025, annual sales of ShopLK Gift Cards reached an unprecedented €9,246,175, representing an increase of €2.2 million on the previous year. After more than two decades in operation, ShopLK continues to hold its position as Ireland’s top-selling local gift card programme.

This milestone year also saw a significant increase in the uptake of the digital ShopLK Gift Card, introduced in 2025, which now accounts for 13% of total sales. Other innovative products, including Load Your Card, also experienced notable growth, reflecting changing consumer preferences and increased demand for flexible, locally focused gifting options.

READ NEXT: Letterkenny Community Centre car boot sale to introduce new indoor section

Commenting on the achievement, Jimmy Stafford, President of Letterkenny Chamber, said: “Each year since our ShopLK Gift Cards were launched, we have had year on year sales increases. We were cautious this year with making a prediction after hitting such a huge milestone in 2024, so we have been blown away by this figure that has far exceeded all our expectations. ShopLK is the biggest town Gift Card programme in Ireland and the UK. It is testament to the many years of building the brand, always endeavouring to innovate and most importantly having the support of the public and businesses of Letterkenny.”

Letterkenny Chamber acknowledges the support of customers who bought cards in their thousands, businesses who use ShopLK as their preferred employee reward and Donegal County Council.

Cllr Ciaran Brogan, Mayor of Letterkenny–Milford Municipal District, said: “A number of years ago we recognised that ShopLK was becoming a recognised brand in Letterkenny and we have worked alongside Letterkenny Chamber since then, using ShopLK to promote Letterkenny as the retail centre of the County. This injection of €9.2 million in gift cards that can only be spent here in Letterkenny is hugely important to our local economy in supporting local jobs. We can see the impact that ShopLK makes to local retailers and we are delighted that the local shopping message is getting through.”

2025 marked the first full calendar year in the partnership with Town & City Gift Card provider Miconex and it has proven a success. Web sales and digital gift cards are growing and being adopted and liked by new and existing customers.

Colin Munro, CEO of Miconex, added: “As the top-selling local gift card in Ireland, the trailblazing ShopLK Gift Card has championed ‘shop local’ in the country for many years, consistently building a trusted and recognised brand that is the first choice for consumer gifts and corporate rewards. Over €9.2m in sales in 2025 is extraordinary, and is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the Letterkenny Chamber team. We are proud to partner with Letterkenny Chamber, using our proven technology and expertise to enable the ShopLK Gift Card to reach the next stage of growth, including the introduction of digital cards and an Ireland-based customer service team. Here’s to another fantastic year for the ShopLK Gift Card.”

Letterkenny Chamber also acknowledged that the continued success of ShopLK would not be possible without the support of the DSP Community Employment Programme, through which the Chamber is staffed. Frontline staff play a critical role throughout the year in delivering and supporting the initiative, and the ongoing backing of the Department of Social Protection is greatly appreciated.