Launceston businesses report worst consumer spending in decades
Veteran business owners in Launceston say consumer spending is at its lowest in their careers.
Businesses are feeling the impact of Launceston residents cutting back on spending. Three owners who started new ventures in 2025 report that customers are tightening their purse strings.
One owner with three decades of business experience said the situation rivals earlier downturns. Employees earn the same money but it does not stretch as far.
People spend only on essentials: housing, food and fuel. Nando's Launceston, which opened mid-2025, had strong first-year sales but has felt the pinch.
Customers order smaller meals. A beauty business owner said restaurants remain full on Thursdays and Fridays on Charles Street, indicating some discretionary spending continues, though less often than before.
- 3 entrepreneurs in 2025
- New businesses launched
- 3 decades
- Business experience
- Over 15 per cent
- Past interest rates
- Nando's, mid-2025
- Restaurant opening
Why it mattersConsumer spending drives local economies. If people keep cutting back, more businesses will struggle and jobs may be lost.
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