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As the cost of everything from gas to groceries continues to rise, many British Columbians are choosing to be a little more careful about where they park their hard-earned dollars.<\/p>\n
In Kamloops, some business owners say the trend is having an effect on their bottom line. <\/p>\n
Carine Spiliotakis owns Caffe Motivo in the heart of the city\u2019s downtown.<\/p>\n
She said that while the regulars are still coming in, they\u2019re often less willing to pick up a treat to fill out their order. <\/p>\n
WATCH | Weak growth forecast for B.C. economy:![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776611649_142_default.jpg\")
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New economic outlook forecasts weak growth for B.C. in 2026<\/p>\n
A new report says B.C.’s economy is expected to grow 1.6 per cent this year, a slight uptick from 2025, but a poor increase as considered by experts. As Tanushi Bhatnagar reports, it is due, in part, to pressures on the province’s forestry sector.<\/p>\n
“Just being cautious about it, like not just getting whatever they want, kind of thinking about it a little more,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis morning somebody came in and they wanted a coffee and a muffin \u2014 then they thought, \u2018Oh, OK, well maybe I\u2019ll just get the coffee.\u2019\u201d <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a trend barber Johanna Marie said she\u2019s noticed as well. <\/p>\n
Customers are less willing to splurge on higher-end services, she said, and when they do, visits are fewer and farther between. <\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776611649_645_default.jpg\")
Barber Johanna Marie says fewer customers are willing to spend on higher-end services lately. (Shelley Joyce\/CBC)<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s classified as a treat because they are more expensive than an average haircut,\u201d she said. <\/p>\n
\u201cPeople used to get haircuts every three weeks. Now it\u2019s turning into a month to every couple of months just because of inflation, prices going up everywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n
Carl Arnett, who sells and repairs bikes at Cycle Logic, said people are trying to get more out of the gear they already have. <\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are trying to just do what they can with the bikes they have as opposed to shopping around, trying to get every little niche filled,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople are trying to make their one bike be a more \u2018do it all’ bike.\u201d<\/p>\n
WATCH | People spending less amid rising costs, say Kamloops businesses:![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1776611650_935_default.jpg\")
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Rising costs impacting discretionary spending, businesses say<\/p>\n
Kamloops business owners are changing the way they budget based on consumer anxiety. They say the rising cost of gas and groceries is having a major impact on people’s lifestyles, including how much they’re willing to spend on things like pastries and haircuts.<\/p>\n