Venture Kamloops keeping close eye on retail sector pending Sears closure

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Bluesky
• Share on X
• Copy Link

“The conventional wisdom says if you grow your local economy, retail will follow,” said Anderson. “So the economy in Kamloops, while not booming, is growing steadily. That’s where the question mark arises. If we have a growing economy, what exactly is going on with the retail sector. Is it growing? We need that data to show that. If it’s not growing, are these headline closures making a difference.”

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Prioritizing B.C.'s economy

18h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: City, Mustard Seed must do more to protect residents near Yacht Club shelter

May 06, 2026

Question of the Week

Do you support Alberta separating from Canada?

May 04, 2026

Anderson suspects the retail sector is growing and strong in Kamloops. But he wants to see the data first before coming to those conclusions. 

“My suspicion is the retail sector is growing in Kamloops,” he said. “These closures, while they make headlines, aren’t really adversely affecting the sector. That would be a great thing. It’s small comfort to the people who are losing their jobs, but we’re looking at the economy overall and we want to make sure we know what’s happening with our economy.”