Tasmania's retail industry is a vibrant and diverse sector, comprising a wide range of businesses from large national chains to independent boutiques and local specialty stores.
The industry encompasses key segments such as supermarkets, bakeries and specialty food stores, alongside businesses selling furniture, electronics and homewares.
The sector also includes stores for clothing, footwear and personal accessories as well as major department stores, pharmacies, cosmetic stores, sports and recreational goods outlets and newsagents.
Tasmania’s retail industry is a vital force in the state’s economy – driving employment, energising local communities and fuelling economic activity across the region.
Useful market information:
Retail decreased by 0.8% in 2024-25 to $1.923 billion in gross value-added terms, impacted by the rise of online shopping and changing consumer preferences to shop online.
Over the past 10 years, retail has experienced a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%.
Retail comprises 4.8% of total Tasmanian industry gross value added.
Retail trade contribution to Gross State Product
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics - Australian National Accounts: State Accounts
In the 12 months to November 2025
Total employment increased by 5.5% to 28,700 persons.
Full-time employment decreased by 13.6% to 11,300 persons.
Part-time employment increased by 23.3% to 17,400 persons.
The Australian retail industry has been significantly impacted by the rise of online shopping and changing consumer preferences to shop online, rather than in bricks and mortar stores, which has seen a shift towards a workforce characterised by more part-time workers.
Retail trade employment level
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Labour Force, Detailed
Between June 2024 and June 2025
The total number of operating businesses decreased by 2.4% to 2,588.
The total number of operating small businesses (0-19 employees) decreased by 2.7% to 2,447.
Many bricks and mortar stores have faced challenging conditions in recent years, leading to a number of closures. This challenging retail environment also reflects broader issues including high rental costs and increased competition from online retail businesses.
Retail trade – number of operating businesses:
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics – Counts of Australian Businesses
Retail trade support services:
A free resource that helps individuals and businesses showcase Tasmania’s unique identity.
By registering, users gain access to tools and assets to tell their Tasmanian story, promoting the state as a great place to live and run a business.
Providing essential resources and insights to help small businesses navigate workplace relations changes.
Offering professional guidance, compliance checklists and industry research to support business owners in understanding and implementing new regulations.