Record rise for food and alcohol spending by Tasmanians stuck at home

Some retailers have seen big jumps in trade while consumers are stuck at home but others have dropped off. Here’s what we’re dropping our cash on while we’re locked inside.

SOME Tasmanian retailers have seen big jumps in trade as consumers stuck at home by the coronavirus pandemic spend up big on food, drink and recreation.

New Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show that turnover in Tasmanian supermarkets was up by 23 per cent in March — it was a trend very much evidence at Salamanca Fresh.

Across the state total spending in supermarket even greater than what was spent in the month before Christmas last year.

Liquor sales were up 23 per cent and electrical goods sales turnover was up 19 per cent month-on-month.

New retail figures released showing big spends at grocery stores – and on alcohol. Mia Woodfall, 18 at Salamanca Fresh. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

Spending on recreational goods jumped 34 per cent in March and spending on pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and toiletries increased by 34 per cent.

But clothing sales were down 12 per cent, cafe and takeaway turnover was down 25 per cent and restaurant turnover was down 43 per cent. Overall, retail turnover was up 14 per cent for the month.

Local businesses who are still trading say they have been buoyed by a wave of support from loyal customers.

Tasmanian Small Business Council executive officer Robert Mallett said the major grocery chains in particular had experienced a surge in demand.

Grocery stores are seeking a massive improvement in trade, according to Tasmanian Small Business Council executive officer Robert Mallet. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE.

But some of the gains reflected in the statistics were simple a reflection of losses in other areas, he said.

”For the increase of alcohol sales you’re getting in bottle shops, you’re getting a decrease in pubs, clubs and restaurants,” he said.

“People have been choosing to purchase their home gym equipment or some stretching straps, or entire gyms so they can stay inside and get their exercise. People have invested their gym memberships.

Mr Mallett aid that businesses were working on COVID-ready business plans and working hard to adapt to the new business environment.

PASSING TRADE

Supermarket and grocery stores: +23 per cent.

Liquor retailing: + 23 per cent.

Electrical goods: +19 per cent.

Clothing: -12 per cent.

Recreational goods: +34 per cent.

Pharmaceutical, cosmetic and toiletry goods: +34 per cent.

Cafes and restaurants: -43 per cent

Cafes and takeaways: -26 per cent.

He said the real test would come around late September when JobKeeper payments ceased and people decided whether to return gyms and restart eating out — or stayed home to be frugal or out of newly-developed habit.

Premier Peter Gutwein yesterday said his government would be guided by public health advice on reopening businesses which had been closed to help prevent the spread of the virus.

“The fact that businesses have been seeing good trade across a range of areas I think that is a good signal,” he said.

The Premier will today outline his government plan to restart the state’s economy.

“I will outline the road map that we take in terms of the restrictions, the steps that we would take to lift restrictions and importantly what where businesses and other activities will sit.

Chris Riley from Ken Self Cycles in Hobart’s Elizabeth Street said city retailers who remained open were working hard to adapt to the changed environment and social distancing requirements.

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“It’s a bit of a mixed bag,” he said. “Half the coffee shops around me are open, half are closed. A lot of retail stores are closed and are doing online stuff.

“We feel very lucky, things have been going well.

“There’s been a lot of uptake with repair, and we’ve sold a lot of kid’s bikes, tyres, tubes and accessories.

“People have been dragging out old bikes and getting them back on the road. People are looking for things to do and they’re getting out on their bikes.”

He said he was grateful for the many locals who had gone out of their way to show their support for local retailers like himself.

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Jon Stagg from Altas Espresso in Macquarie Street said his business had been affected by the drop in foot traffic as more people worked form home.

“We’re down probably about 40 per cent,” he said.

“It’s nice to still have the door open and to be able to come to work.

“All of the government incentives, the JobKeeper and the state government help means we’ll survive and come out the other side.

“I’m really confident that we’ll be able to keep the team together. After staying solvent, that is the most important thing”.

He too said his customers had gone out of their way to show their support during what has been a difficult time – for example one customer who insisted paying more for his daily coffee as his way of helping out.

“We’ve been here for 12 years and we’ve built up a bit of goodwill. We’re getting a bit of payback, it’s quite touching really.”