Launnie Long-standers: Pearts Variety Store

Tucked into the heart of Launceston’s CBD, Pearts Variety Store has become one of those rare constants in a city that’s seen plenty of change. Originally launched as a humble $2 stall at the markets, the store has evolved over the decades into a vibrant go-to for art supplies, souvenirs, and that hard-to-find item you didn’t know you needed.

Owner Craig has been at the helm for just over 19 years, taking over the business when it was already a familiar name to many locals. With a background in retail and sales, he stepped into the business with confidence in customer service, but little knowledge of the wide range of products he’d soon be managing.

“Those early years were a learning curve,” Craig recalls. “But I wasn’t on my own, I was fortunate to have people around me who knew the business well. I asked questions, listened a lot, and slowly found my own rhythm.”

When asked how Pearts has managed to survive where many others haven’t, Craig doesn’t hesitate, “We’ve never relied on just one product or one type of customer. That’s been our strength. If one area’s down, something else is usually up.” As a true variety store, Pearts has weathered the shifting tides of retail by staying on-the-ball. From giftware to art supplies to souvenirs, every part of the shop is treated as a living, breathing section of the business. “Each product is essentially renting the space it sits in,” Craig explains. “If something’s not selling, it doesn’t stay. You can’t afford to be sentimental.” That philosophy has paid off. When one segment of the market changes, whether it’s due to online shopping, tourism trends, or school terms, Pearts adjusts its stock. In recent years, Craig has leaned further into art supplies and souvenirs, guided by demand and a keen sense for where the local gaps are. “A lot of people want to see and feel a product before they buy, especially in art. It’s visual. And we get great support from local schools, which really helps.”

Over nearly two decades in business, Craig has seen Launceston’s retail landscape change dramatically. “When I started, the city centre was busier. People would come into town weekly or fortnightly to shop. But with Meadow Mews, Mowbray and Prospect growing, people don’t need to come into the CBD as often.” That shift hasn’t spelled doom, just the need to pivot. “We used to assume school holidays would be quiet. Now they’re some of our busiest times, because parents bring their kids into town and get jobs done while they’re off work. The patterns have flipped.” He’s learned to pay close attention to these shifts. “You’ve got to keep your eyes open, not just on what’s happening in your store, but what’s happening around town. If another shop closes, does that create an opportunity? If someone opens up nearby, is it competition, or does it draw more foot traffic?”

Pearts isn’t just a retail outlet, it’s part of the fabric of Launceston. “We’ve had customers walk in and say, ‘I used to come here as a kid.’ That kind of trust doesn’t happen overnight,” Craig says. “It’s built over years of consistency.” And it’s not just words, it’s homemade cookies, chocolates and small gestures from loyal customers who show their appreciation, especially around Christmas. “That’s the stuff that keeps you going. Knowing people value what you do.”

Craig’s biggest piece of advice for anyone starting a business in Launceston? “Do your homework. It’s not enough to love a product…you have to know who else will love it too, and whether it will actually sell. Map out your costs. Be realistic.” And perhaps most importantly: stay teachable. “Don’t think you know it all. Ask your team what they think. Ask your customers. Listen. What sells isn’t always what you’d personally buy, that was one of the hardest lessons for me. I’ve had to source and stock products I’d never use myself, but that’s not the point. It’s about what your customers want, not your personal taste.”

Nearly 20 years on, Craig is still learning. Still listening. Still watching. And Pearts is still standing, not because it’s flashy or loud, but because it’s flexible, thoughtful, and rooted in something rare; long-term trust.