Louise Grimmer

Associate Professor Louise Grimmer is a leading academic in marketing, retailing, and consumer behaviour at the University of Tasmania, where she serves as Associate Professor of Marketing in the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics (TSBE). She also holds the leadership role of Associate Head of Industry Engagement and Impact, emphasizing her strong commitment to connecting academic research with real-world industry challenges. Her research is internationally recognized, focusing on small stores, main streets, local shopping, consumer behaviour, regional retailing, and sustainable consumption. Louise is an Associate Editor of the Journal of Consumer Behaviour and the International Review of Retail, Distribution and Consumer Research, highlighting her scholarly leadership.

• PhD, University of Tasmania (2015)
• MA (Communication and Public Relations), Deakin University (2010)
• Graduate Diploma of Business, University of South Australia (1991)
• Bachelor of Arts, University of Adelaide (1990)

Her research interests span consumer behaviour, retail marketing, small business retailing, main street revitalization, sustainable and thrift shopping, crisis communications in retail, and the visitor economy. She investigates how marketing communications can support small retailers and how digital transformation is reshaping urban retail landscapes. Her work aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals such as Sustainable Cities, Responsible Consumption, and Decent Work and Economic Growth.

The 15 most recent articles analyzed demonstrate a consistent focus on consumer trust in retail brands, the evolution of physical and online retail spaces, sustainable consumption practices, and the emotional and social dimensions of shopping. Themes such as brand loyalty, ethical consumerism, and the impact of digital technologies on retail are recurrent. Her publications bridge academic rigor with public relevance, often exploring how retail shapes urban identity and community well-being.

Louise has received significant recognition for her expertise, including:

• Fulbright Scholarship (2021)
• Senior Fellow, Institute of Place Management (UK)
• Certified Practising Marketer (CPM), Australian Marketing Institute

In addition to her academic roles, Louise is an active public intellectual. She is the highest-read University of Tasmania academic on The Conversation, a columnist for The Mercury, a media commentator on ABC and national outlets, and host of the ‘Shopology’ retail podcast. She has advised industry and government, served as Chief of Staff to the UTAS Vice-Chancellor, and owns a pre-loved retail store in Hobart, reflecting her deep engagement with the retail sector. She supervises students and contributes to professional organizations such as the American Marketing Association and Mainstreet Australia.

Louise leads and contributes to collaborative research projects and industry partnerships focused on retail resilience, place branding, and sustainable consumption. Her work often involves interdisciplinary teams and stakeholder engagement to ensure practical impact. She is also involved in initiatives to revitalize city centers and support small retailers through research-informed strategies.