Department store reopening reinvigorates city business

Tasmania’s two major cities are poised to become bustling hubs again with the reopening of a major retailer, bringing more foot traffic and trade through CBDs.

HOBART and Launceston are poised to more closely resemble their pre-COVID-19 states, as a reopening retail giant brings more workers and shoppers to the cities.

After a history of overcoming flood and fire, Myer has sat tight through COVID-19 to reopen its doors tomorrow and welcome back a number of staff to its northern and southern stores.

Chamber of Commerce Tasmania chief operating officer Colleen Reardon said the move was one of the latest “green shoots” rebuilding confidence in the retail sector and broader economy.

Hobart Myer employee Trish Guinane excited Myer is reopening it's store tomorrow morning. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

“Hopefully it will lead to a modest and safe increase in foot traffic in the CBDs of Launceston and Hobart,” she said.

“We encourage everyone to observe social distancing and hygiene rules and if you’re in town, make sure you support other local businesses as well.”

A few doors down from Myer on Liverpool St in Hobart, Mr Burger Hobart owner Alexander Haros said he hoped the retail giant’s reopening would boost the store’s “considerably” lowered lunch trade.

“I think just having people back in the CBD, the foot traffic and giving people a reason to come back to Liverpool St in the day will help us,” he said.

“We used to get a lot of regular staff from Myer and the ICON building coming in so both of them closing really hurt our business.”

Alexander Haros, owner of Mr Burger in Liverpool Street is pleased Myer is opening back up tomorrow. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

He said it was reassuring to see business had been picking up over the previous two weeks.

“It’s nice to see people back in the restaurant,” Mr Haros said.

“Hopefully we’ll see some familiar faces.”

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Myer Hobart store manager Kathleen Kelly was among the excited staff to return to work.

“We look forward to welcoming our loyal Hobart customers back into store, providing leading brands and service in a safe shopping environment,” she said.

Staff have returned to promote beauty, home, entertainment, fashion and other products and services at the department store complex.

The majority of surrounding cafes, restaurants, clothing stores and other retailers have opened for business in the adjoining Cat and Fiddle Arcade and throughout the CBD.

The Hobart and Launceston Myer stores will continue trading from 10am-5pm Sunday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturday.