Retail

Kamloops is the regional geographic centre for commercial trade and services in the Thompson Nicola Regional District with a primary and secondary trade area exceeding 220,000 people. As the largest economic sector in Kamloops, the retail sector employs 12.9% of the labour force. (Stats Can, 2006)

 

Together with national, regional and independent retail stores, Kamloops offers a wide variety of businesses geared toward all aspects of shopping. The city has three enclosed shopping centres as well as four big box-style retail centres. Aberdeen Mall, the largest of the three enclosed malls, is a two level regional centre with over 85 shops and services ranging from small boutiques to major retail chains.

 

The downtown has a vibrant shopping area boasting numerous specialty shops and a variety of restaurants and lounges with outdoor patios for spring through fall dining.

 

 

Kamloops’ Competitive Advantages for the Retail Industry

 

Abundant Labour Force: Kamloops has a large labour force available to service the retail sector. With a projected population growth rate of 1.2% for 2009, and a university student population to draw from, the labour force is educated, skilled and ready to work.

 

Kamloops’ Location: One of Kamloops’ advantages is its geographic location in the province of British Columbia. As the transportation hub of the B.C. Interior, the city lies at the crossroads of B.C.’s four major highways and Canada’s two main railways. This centralized geography facilitates incredible visitation to the city year round. Additionally, as Canada’s Tournament Capital, Kamloops sees more than 27,000 competitors and family arrive annually for a variety of tournaments and sporting events. The strength of the tourism industry is bolstered by destination golf and ski resorts and in 2008, Kamloops saw 5 million tourists visit the area.

 

Lifestyle: Kamloops has a vast landscape with plenty of room in which to play and engage in an array of recreational opportunities, all while enjoying over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually. Housing is affordable and the cost of doing business is competitive, plus the area boasts exceptional schooling options and healthcare services. Employee retention is high in Kamloops with employees citing an affordable, quality of life in the region as a major plus.

 

Incentives for the Retail Industry

 

Revitalization Tax Exemption Program: This tax incentive encourages revitalization and new development in Kamloops’ downtown city centre. Property owners (individual or companies) are eligible for a 5-year tax holiday which includes an additional 4-year phase-in period so by the tenth year they are paying the full tax commitment. 

 

Retail Industry Resources

 

Kamloops Shopping Directory: Tourism Kamloops has information on shopping malls and centres located within the city. 

 

Retail Industry Organizations

 

Kamloops Central Business Improvement Area (KCBIA): The Kamloops Central Business Improvement Area is comprised of a Board of Directors, a General Manager, and a part-time Membership Services Coordinator. The mission is to promote business growth and economic development in a format that will make the central business area of Kamloops a better place to visit, live and work. 

 

North Shore Business Improvement Association (NSBIA): The North Shore Business Improvement Association is an association of commercial property and business owners with a mandate to expand business opportunities on the North Shore of Kamloops.