But on the same day the data was released a Launceston stalwart shop closed its doors for the last time.

Delicatessen and smallgoods shop Delicacy has been operating from Canning Street for the past nine years.

But the owners have shut up shop, citing personal reasons as the main driver of the decision.

Delicacy is not the only retail icon Launceston has lost in the past several years.

Easy ones to remember are Birchalls, Townsends Bakery and Fitzies City Cafe.

All three of these had decades of history as memorable Launceston stores and eateries Northern Tasmanian residents have enjoyed.

However, despite this, Tasmanians are continuing to spend their money, with retail turnover increasing by $2.6 billion for September alone.

Retail turnover increases when the economy and cost of living allows and Tasmania is experiencing strong growth in that area.

The state government is on track to produce a budget surplus by the end of Premier Will Hodgman’s second term - and Tasmania is becoming a household name for all the right reasons in the minds of our mainland cousins and national and international tourists.

With tourism also at an all time high, as recent tourism figures released by the government shows and small business confidence at an all time high, there seems to be some piece of the puzzle missing.

There begs a question then, if spending habits are up and turnover is high, where is the disconnect between that and these icon shops that are closing their doors?

Heading into the Christmas period it is important to think about where you are buying your loved ones’ presents.

Could you get something local, handmade, from an independent or small business?

It might mean the difference of having another shop remain open, or another step towards more small businesses shutting up for good. 

It’s the consumers’ choice, after all.