Roam NI partners with Northern Ireland’s top retail and hospitality associations to offer members exclusive access to its Digital High Street, bringing unprecedented support to local businesses this holiday season.
In a powerful show of support for Northern Ireland’s local businesses, Roam NI has announced a strategic partnership with Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster, and the Food 2 Go Association NI. This collaboration offers members of these associations exclusive, complimentary access to Roam NI’s Digital High Street, a digital marketplace designed to elevate visibility, boost local spending, and empower independent retailers and hospitality venues in the run-up to Christmas and beyond.
Through this unique initiative, thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across retail hospitality and food to go can access Roam NI’s platform at no additional cost. Typically a paid subscription service, Roam NI’s Digital High Street is now included as part of each member’s association membership, creating an online space where businesses can reach customers, showcase their offerings, and engage with the community. This exclusive opportunity is designed to unite the strengths of Northern Ireland’s independent business sector and support local enterprises through the vital holiday shopping season.
“Our mission is to help local businesses thrive, and this partnership enables us to extend that mission further,” said Andrew Bartlett, founder of Roam NI. “By joining forces with Retail NI, Food 2 Go Association NI, and Hospitality Ulster, we’re providing a powerful digital platform to thousands of businesses across Northern Ireland, helping them engage with customers online in a meaningful way. This access is complimentary for association members, underscoring our shared commitment to supporting and strengthening local communities.”
Empowering Local, Inspiring Community Action
Through the Digital High Street, member businesses can showcase their products, seasonal promotions, and services to an engaged, local audience. Roam NI’s platform encourages customers to shop local, keeping spend within the community and supporting the unique contributions of Northern Ireland’s independent businesses. This digital platform allows for businesses of all types—from shops and cafes to restaurants and artisan markets—to be easily found by local shoppers looking for something special this holiday season.
“Our local economy is built on the success of independent retailers, food services, and hospitality providers, and this initiative offers members an innovative way to connect with the community,” says Glyn Roberts, of Retail NI. “The complimentary access to Roam NI’s Digital High Street creates a digital presence for our members, allowing them to compete on a level playing field with larger brands.”
“This partnership with Roam NI offers an incredible opportunity for our members to reach more customers and showcase the diversity and quality of Northern Ireland’s food-to-go sector,” says Michael Henderson, CEO of Food 2 Go Association NI. “By joining the Digital High Street, our businesses can connect with their communities in a new way, making it easier for people to discover and support local food providers throughout the holiday season and beyond.
“The holiday season is a critical time for Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector, and this partnership with Roam NI helps ensure our pubs, restaurants, and venues can connect with both locals and visitors alike,” says Colin Neill, CEO of Hospitality Ulster. “With Roam NI’s Digital High Street, our members have a valuable, ongoing platform to showcase their unique offerings year-round. This initiative not only drives support during the festive season but also establishes lasting connections that strengthen our industry well into the future.”
An Unprecedented Partnership for a Vital Cause
This collaboration, running through the Christmas season, seeks to strengthen Northern Ireland’s economy by encouraging local engagement and making it easier for shoppers to discover and support independent businesses. By pooling resources with three of the region’s leading business associations, Roam NI hopes to make a lasting impact that extends well beyond the holiday season, helping local businesses create valuable connections with customers and develop loyalty in their communities.
“The true strength of Northern Ireland’s economy lies in its independent businesses,” says Andrew Bartlett. “This partnership is our way of investing in that strength, creating a digital platform that brings local products and services to the community in a dynamic, accessible way. By working with Retail NI, Food 2 Go Association NI, and Hospitality Ulster, we’re not just supporting businesses for this season—we’re building a vibrant, sustainable marketplace full of opportunity, both for today and for generations to come.”
About Roam NI
Roam NI is a digital platform dedicated to promoting local businesses and unique destinations across Northern Ireland. Committed to helping small businesses succeed in the digital era, Roam NI connects consumers with local retailers and services, making shopping local easier and more accessible. For more information on the Roam NI Digital High Street, visit: roam-local.co.uk
About Our Partners
Retail NI represents the interests of independent retailers across Northern Ireland, promoting a thriving and diverse retail sector. https://www.myroamapp.com/retailni
Food 2 Go Association NI supports Northern Ireland’s vibrant food service and food-to-go sector, providing resources and advocacy for businesses serving communities across the region. https://www.myroamapp.com/food-to-go
Hospitality Ulster champions the local hospitality industry, offering a voice and resources for restaurants, pubs, and hospitality providers. https://www.myroamapp.com/hospitality-ulster
