While it's indisputable the retail landscape in Launceston, Tasmania and Australia are facing some unique challenges, reports of a slowly failing CBD in Launceston is greatly exaggerated.

Empty shops in the mall or in the city street blocks that surround it is not a pretty sight but it appears that retail rebirth for the city may be looking outside of Launceston.

Take, for example, the heralded return of popular bakery Manu Bread, which has set up shop on Invermay Road.

Another example, is the development application for a $4 million refurbishment of the Kmart complex, to allow for more retailers and tenancies. The Automobile Museum was recently relocated to its new site at Inveresk, where it's already surrounded by a vibrant retail precinct.

Also, shops will support a new development application recommended for approval at the old Gasworks site - with a cafe and art gallery proposed for the steel structure on Cimitiere St. This proposal is complementary to a second development application, for a multi-storey car park at the Gasworks. Retail in Launceston CBD has been served by some solid stalwarts in recent years, two of whom have been inducted by the Launceston Chamber of Commerce - Don Pitt and Rod Patterson.

The pair have been in business in Launceston for decades and both say a focus on customer service was vital to their longevity. Unique customer service has also been highlighted as an opportunity for brick-and-mortar shops in a recent UTAS report commissioned by the City of Launceston council.

While the traditional model of retail looks a certain way (think central, often undercover or indoor mall with shops in the blocks around it) in Launceston it appears that model is changing, with more focus on the outer skirts of the CBD.

Change and renewal is not always a bad thing and while support for struggling CBD retailers is needed, it's always a good thing to look at the bigger picture, which might not paint as bleak a picture as people think.