It’s time to retire, says Myer fire survivor and Ellison Hawker newsagent Brendan Limbrick

He’s survived an infamous fire and tough times in bricks-and-mortar retail, but ultimately it is Tasmania’s cold winters that have seen off business owner Brendan Limbrick.

Ellison Hawker newsagency owner Brendan Limbrick says he’s finally retiring. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

He’s survived an infamous fire and tough times in bricks-and-mortar retail, but ultimately it is Tasmania’s cold winters that have seen off business owner Brendan Limbrick.

The 68-year-old is closing down Ellison Hawker Newsagency and Tattslotto and retiring after 25 years of ups and downs.

“Towards the end of last winter I decided I wasn’t going to walk down the street anymore at 7am in the freezing cold, wind and dark — I’ve had enough of that,” Mr Limbrick said.

“But I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and I thank all the regular customers I’ve had over the years.”

His store was the only business other than Myer destroyed by the CBD fire on September 22, 2007.

After 15 years in that location, the building was ultimately demolished with the remains of the Myer store.

The view from the rear of Ellison Hawker newsagency of the burnt-out building and pile of rubble which was once the Myer Hobart Liverpool Street store

“I had the best spot in Hobart,” Mr Limbrick said. But the business was closed for six months and he lost a lot of his regular customers, as they changed their shopping habits.

Mr Limbrick outside his damaged premises after the Myer fire.

Forced to move twice, the newsagency has been in its current location farther up the other side of Liverpool St for almost 10 years.

Mr Limbrick said the city landscape had changed a lot in 25 years, with fewer people around the CBD. The shop will close its doors for good on Saturday at 4pm.

Mr Limbrick traded for a while in Mathers Lane after the Liverpool St site was gutted by the Myer fire.