First Coles store destroyed by fire

The historic first Coles store in northwest Tasmania will be demolished after it was destroyed by fire.

The supermarket giant's humble beginnings more than a century ago can be traced to Wilmot, 45km southwest of Devonport, to the general store that stood there since 1910.

Fire crews responded to a call at around 5am (AEDT) on Friday to find the building engulfed in flames.

Three people escaped the current owners' adjoining home thanks to a smoke alarm as the fire caused an estimated $600,000 damage.

"It's probably (Wilmot's) most important asset. When you talk about it being the post office as well as the general store as well as the bottle shop," Tasmania Fire Service investigator Adrian Adams told AAP.

"It's a massive loss to the community."

Six fire units took half an hour to extinguish the blaze, the cause of which is unknown.

"Investigations are still ongoing with the TFS and police," Mr Adams said.

The Coles family operated the store between 1910-21, their first permanent retail outlet.

Founder George Coles' son, also George, went on to open the first Coles Variety Store in Melbourne in 1914.

The first Coles supermarket opened in 1960.

The Wilmot store had been preserved with many of the fittings of its heyday, but its rubble will now be demolished.

A Coles spokesman told local media the company had been shocked by the news.

The store was reportedly to be taken over by new owners next week.