The grand opening of four BCF stores across Tasmania on Saturday continues to show confidence in the state, according to Tasmanian Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive Michael Bailey.
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“What it shows in my mind is a great market when you’ve got national brands that are looking to come into Launceston and open here which is great for the confidence for the city,” he said.
“It also shows a heart in the CBD when you’ve got businesses that are rotating but for me the big picture here is how positive it is that major chains are grabbing up these big sites when they can.”
The BCF store replaces Ray's Outdoors at St John Street, with on focus on supply everything customers could need for all things bush to beach and beyond.
Deloraine resident Wayne Donovan took his children Sarah and Jack to the grand opening in Launceston.
The family are big fishing fans, with nine-year-old Sarah recently awarded certificates for her Tasmanian and Australian record breaking catch in the Shimano Tasmanian Light Line Shoot Out competition.
“I just like fishing and I’ve been trying to get these guys into fishing and that’s one of the reasons we joined a fishing club because if these guys have a good day they can win prizes,” he said.
“We used to come into Ray’s Outdoors a fair bit because every year we've had a camping trip somewhere ... these sort of stores are the ones I like.”
The opening of BCF comes as refurbishment of the old Officeworks building into Launceston’s latest bottleshop continues.
A spokesperson for Dan Murphy's said: “Work on the site is progressing well and we are aiming for an opening ahead of Christmas. Dan Murphy's is excited to be bringing our quality drinks offering to Launceston.”
“I think it’s a very positive time for Launceston and it’s been reflected by the major chains who have been looking to get into these sites for some time,” said Mr Bailey.
Meanwhile Canberra-born Mexican food chain Zambrero is due to open in Launceston at the old Flip Burger site on September 27.
The restaurant will utilise the building’s drive-through feature on the corner of York and Bathurst streets.
Also scheduled to open its doors soon is Charlie’s Dessert House on Charles Street.
The brainchild of travel blogger Brooke Saward, the restaurant will serve breakfasts and late night desserts from October 1.
It comes as the development application for the first stage of Josef Chromy’s hotel at the old TRC site is opened for public comment.
The plans for a new car park include the demolition of four dwellings.
