Who Will Shape the Future of Launceston’s CBD?

Media Release – Launceston Central, 22 July 2026

Who Will Shape the Future of Launceston’s CBD? Local shoppers hold power.

This winter, the Love Launnie Shopping Passport invited locals to make purchases at 100 CBD retailers throughout May and June for a chance to win prizes. Its success shows what many local businesses already know: choosing to support local has a measurable positive impact.

Presented by Launceston Central, a not-for-profit organisation funded by City of Launceston to promote local businesses and events, the Shopping Passport was designed to incentivise and reward shoppers for choosing to shop local. Over the course of the promotion, 2,976 entries were submitted, showing $369,103 in purchases logged through the Shopping Passport.

Launceston Central selected eight weekly winners, plus one grand prize winner who received a $2,500 shopping spree in the CBD.

Grand prize winner Sharon H. is a Burnie local who entered the competition after making a qualifying purchase from Petrarch’s Bookshop at 89 Brisbane Street.

“When I visit Launceston, I always try to support local. We come into Launnie for the football, and always visit the local stores,” she said upon learning she was the grand prize winner.

Sharon wasn’t the only consumer from outside of Launceston to use the Shopping Passport. Data from entries revealed that residents from every postcode in Tasmania, and from every Australian state and territory, joined the competition.

“The target audience for Love Launnie was the locals, but as entries rolled in, we quickly learned that visitors like to support local, too,” says Gab Dicarlantonio, the CEO of Launceston Central.

Many of the 100 local retailers who participated were eager to embrace a positive topic of conversation to engage new and returning customers. Inspire, located in Old Brisbane Arcade, received the highest number of entries from shoppers using the Love Launnie Shopping Passport.

“Customers really embraced Love Launnie. It sparked so many conversations in-store, and everyone loved the chance to win simply by shopping locally,” says Lana Thomas, employee of Inspire.

“We made sure every customer had the opportunity to enter. Campaigns like this really highlight the value of supporting local businesses and give people another great reason to shop in Launceston.”

Consumers might not have much sway in influencing the type of retailers that move into the city centre, but the continued support from loyal customers is what keeps independent businesses trading in the CBD.

“Small businesses are what make Launceston such a vibrant and lively destination, and the importance of a loyal base of repeat customers cannot be understated. It makes a huge difference when customers choose to shop locally,” says Jeremy Frech, owner of Scenic Isle Gaming, located 21 Yorktown Square.

While the Shopping Passport promotion has ended, Launceston Central will continue to champion the ethos behind Love Launnie: that our city centre is a premiere destination for retail and shopping local drives that success.

“It is easy to take for granted what you love, especially during times of change,” says Ms. Dicarlantonio.

“Love Launnie lets us lead conversations about what keeps shoppers coming back to town. From the streetscape filled with beautiful heritage buildings, a growing art scene, and gastronomic offerings on every corner, these all combine to create the unique atmosphere that make Launceston’s retail experience shine.”

(L-R) Grand prize winner Sharon H. and Gab Dicarlantonio.

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