Competition is Good for All: Why We Embrace It
Nicole Graham, owner of Gourmet Gift Hampers Tasmania, reflects:
“When I first moved to Tasmania, I was struck by the intense focus from some competitors, and some resistance to new entrants. Coming from a larger market, I was used to the opposite—where knowing all your competitors was nearly impossible, and too much focus on them would mean neglecting your own business growth. It was more about building your brand and standing out through quality and service. Here, I quickly learned that a newcomer can feel more like a disruption than just healthy competition, which shouldn’t be the case.”
At Gourmet Gift Hampers Tasmania, we welcome the challenge. We believe that by striving for excellence and focusing on what we do best, we not only elevate our business but also contribute to a stronger, more diverse Tasmanian marketplace.
Let’s support each other and grow together—because competition, when approached with the right mindset, is good for all.
Competition is Good for All: Why We Embrace It
In bustling cities and larger markets, competition is a natural part of business life. With so many players, there’s no time to hyper-focus on rivals; instead, businesses focus on innovation, customer experience, and carving out their niche. But in smaller regions like Tasmania, where the business landscape is more close-knit, competition can be met with resistance. It’s a cultural shift that many new businesses experience firsthand.
A New Business Reality for Tasmania
When a new, innovative business sets up in Tasmania, it’s often seen not just as an addition to the market, but sometimes as a direct threat to existing businesses. The reaction can range from curiosity to defensiveness, as competitors navigate a space that was previously uncontested. This response is natural but can be detrimental if viewed negatively.
Why Competition is Healthy
We believe competition is a good thing for everyone. It sparks creativity, drives higher standards, and ultimately benefits the consumer with better choices and quality. When businesses focus on innovation and customer service rather than dwelling on competitors, it helps the entire industry flourish.
For Tasmania, a region known for its high-quality products and tight-knit community, healthy competition can be transformative. It can stimulate growth, encourage collaboration, and build resilience in the local economy. However, to reach this stage, there needs to be a change in mindset—viewing newcomers as potential partners rather than opponents.
Changing the Perspective
As a business, we’ve faced our share of challenges entering the Tasmanian market. But we also recognize that competition pushes us to offer the best products and services possible. Instead of seeing other businesses as threats, we see them as part of a shared ecosystem. By working together, we can grow the pie for everyone and highlight the incredible variety and quality that Tasmania has to offer.
Supporting a Fair Playing Field
We want to see all Tasmanian businesses succeed. It’s why we are transparent about our values and operations and why we advocate for a fair and equitable business environment. A community that supports healthy competition fosters innovation, drives improvement, and ultimately benefits everyone—from the local business owner to the consumer.
Embracing the Challenge
For smaller markets like Tasmania, accepting competition can be uncomfortable at first, but it’s a necessary evolution for long-term growth and sustainability. By embracing competition and focusing on collaboration, we can create a thriving business community that proudly showcases the best of Tasmania.