In recent months Dr Louise Grimmer from the University of Tasmania's School of Business and Economics has been working on behalf of the Council to develop the Shopping in the City report.
The report looks at the issues facing retail in Launceston — many of which aren't unique to our city — and how the community can work together to address those challenges.
The report examines the boom in online retail, the importance for retailers to maintain web and social media sites, the rise in popularity of alternate payment services, as well as issues like parking and infrastructure.
The Council received the report this week and agreed to work with key stakeholders to develop an integrated city marketing campaign to position the city as a specialty shopping destination.
The Council will also consider following a number of recommendations arising from the report, including a strategic approach to improving the aesthetics of empty shops, working with property owners to encourage short-term retail leases, and increasing food options in the Brisbane St Mall.
The report can be accessed here.
