Community support and a shift towards online sales have helped retail businesses in Launceston mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Deloitte Access Economics forecast Tasmania's retail turnover would fall 1 per cent in 2021-2022, the equal worst forecast for any jurisdiction.
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But some businesses have experienced a surge in activity as restrictions start to ease and the state government's buy local message hits home.
House of Shoes owner Dianne Sheehan, who closed her store during the height of lockdown restrictions, said sales were up more than 50 per cent on the same time last year.
She credits a quick transition to online shopping and support from the local community.
We were down throughout April as expected but since we have been open, May and June have been up on last years figures
- Dianne Sheehan
"We were down throughout April as expected but since we have been open, May and June have been up on last years figures," Mr Sheehan said.
"People are purposefully shopping locally now and looking to spend their money locally, people are a lot more conscious of how their dollars are spent."
Petrarch's Bookshop owner Marcus Durkin said his store had a similar experience.
He said a transition to online orders help mitigate the losses of having the shop closed during the pandemic.
"Business has been fairly steady while the door has been open ... throughout April when our door what shut it was a little bit different but we had plenty of support via phone and online orders," he said.
Venue Clothing on Kingsway stayed open with reduced hours through the lockdown period.
Owner Luke Dawson said business had picked up as restrictions are easing but he was worried what might happen in the coming months.
"I hope there is not a bit of a boost now and then after that everyone falls into a hole," he said.
"Going on the figures today I would be happy if [JobKeeper] went till September and then it was rolled back ... but I am just worried that there might be a big hole on the other end."
He said he has also noticed an increase in people buying local.
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