Parking in the Launceston CBD. It's a topic that will stir a reaction from most who have experienced it. But is it really the reason why people aren't shopping in the CBD? Or is it because everyone is shopping online? Or are there just too many empty shopfronts and not enough food options?
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According to a new report from the University of Tasmania, it's all of these things and more. Commissioned by the City of Launceston Council, the Shopping in the City report surveyed all businesses within the CityProm boundary, as well as shoppers via an online survey and other key stakeholders. All up, about 100 businesses and 270 shoppers had their say.
The report recommended stakeholders develop an integrated city marketing campaign to position the city as a specialty shopping campaign.
Parking options, skills development workshops for modern retail requirements, and addressing the negative sight of empty shops in the CBD are also among the key areas for the council, stakeholders and businesses to consider.
But let's not forget that the challenges facing Launceston's retail sector are being felt across the country. According to research from Australia Post, more than 73 per cent of Australian households shopped online in 2018.
Out of a total $275.3 billion spend on retail, 10 per cent or $27.5 billion was spent online. Interestingly, this figure is predicted to reach 12 per cent of total retail spend within the next three years.
Considering this, what steps need to be put in place now to ensure Launceston businesses are able to keep up?
To quote the report's author - Dr Louise Grimmer - "the retail sector is facing unprecedented technological change, and the digital economy is rapidly transforming traditional modes of shopping".
If town centres are to survive, and thrive, they will require all stakeholders to work collaboratively rather than competitively. Because at the end of the day there are many reasons to visit the Launceston CBD that can't be found online. We all have a part to play.
