One one hand, our public spaces like the Brisbane Street Mall, Civic Square and the Quadrant all still have that shiny new feel about them, after the City of Launceston updated the amenities as part of its City Heart revitalisation project.

But go for a walk in the CBD and it's likely that you'll spot an empty shop or two, without even really trying.

Empty shops have become a conversation for Launceston ratepayers over a number of years, and everyone seems to have the perfect idea to stem the flow of small businesses leaving the CBD.

The first stage of City Heart focused on revitalising Launceston's public spaces and modernising the facilities to become multi-purpose areas.

It was not just about retail, with Civic Square transformed into an inviting public space with a water play area and enough space to hold a market or events.

And while there are some empty shops around the place, it's important to note that there are retailers in the CBD who are thriving and new shops are opening in the area. Mexican food chain Zambreros has opened its second Launceston store, with a new CBD location this week. It offered free burritos to celebrate its new opening. 

However, the closure of iconic bookstore Collins, formerly Fullers, in Launceston has thrown the retail issue into sharp relief.

And it's not just a Launceston-centric issue, nor is it isolated to small business - national cosmetics retailer Napoleon Perdis is a recent example, with the makeup chain store announcing recently that it would go into voluntary administration.

Shopping trends for consumers, including a tendency to shop online, is something that has a huge impact on bricks-and-mortar shops, but it is not the only issue that our shopkeepers face.

But it's becoming clear that challenging retail conditions are forcing some people out of the CBD - and while that might be for a number of reasons, there must be something we can do, as a community to stop it.