At the news retailer Harris Scarfe has officially been placed into receivership, Launceston shoppers would be well justified in wondering what will happen to the Brisbane Street Mall should it go?
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The former Birchalls site has been empty and vacant for more than two years since the bookseller and gift shop closed up for good after a failed sale process.
Also, Cotton on Kids has moved on to new premises on the fringes of the shopping district, but no other retailer has moved into that vacant space.
If a buyer can't be found for Harris Scarfe and the retailer shuts up shop, it will be the third shop to sit vacant in the mall.
Recently, the City of Launceston council engaged University of Tasmania researcher Louise Grimmer to conduct a survey and report of empty shops in Launceston.
Though the Shopping in the City report found the number of shop vacancies had remained "relatively static", this information related only to what could be seen from ground level.
However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel for those despairing over the loss of retail in the city.
The Launceston City Deal, the City of Launceston council's City Heart project, the University of Tasmania campus development and the number of private development happening in the city and beyond.
While nobody likes to see empty shops, it might be the catalyst Launceston needs to kickstart the revitalisation of its CBD - and to show its residents that there is more to this city than just retail.
A pillar of the past, retail has now shifted, as most industries have, online.
But if Launceston focuses on those unique things that make it great it will grow organically from the inside out.
Tourism, education, our growing food and wine sector, culture and boutique events will be what makes Launceston a great regional city - not just the number of shops we have.
So while the news of another retailer throwing up stumps is disappointing, let's take heart that there are still reasons to love Launceston.
And while you're out shopping this Christmas period, why not think about supporting a local retailer, because you never know just how much your patronage will mean.