The Salvation Army Thrift Store location in downtown Victoria will be closing its doors due to rising operational costs at the end of this month.
Second-chance shoppers can come before March 23, for their last chance to purchase pieces from more than 40-year-old 525 Johnson Street location.
“There was a look at the current financial landscape and the operational cost there and unfortunately, it just became evident that it was unable to sustain that presence at the location. It just was no longer financially viable for us,” explained Gavinder Randhawa, Salvation Army’s B.C. manager of marketing and communications.
Clara Pina, the national communications specialist told Black Press Media in a statement that there are no immediate plans for the space.
“The Salvation Army Victoria ARC will be reevaluating the space previously occupied by the thrift store to explore opportunities to further assist the Greater Victoria area.”
She also mentioned employees from the downtown location will not be transferred directly to other locations, but are encouraged to apply for positions in nearby stores if it aligns with their interests.
Leslie Rowland was shopping at the location on March 5 and was unhappy to learn of the store’s closure.
“It’s sad, I wish it was still functioning because it’s well-managed.”
Salvation Army has an extensive history at the downtown location.
Before the thrift store was a part of one of the largest chain retail outlets in the country, it started as a food and shelter facility according to VictoriaARC.org. The facility, known as The Salvation Ark opened on Cormorant Street in 1897.
The website states that in 1918 the facility relocated to Johnson Street to build a larger shelter for the growing need for social assistance. The following year the centre made expansions including a thrift store and light industrial operation, providing employment and income to the shelter’s residents.
A second Salvation Army location was opened on Yates Street in 1956. The facility was named Harbour Light and specialized in the treatment of alcoholism in men.
“Victoria’s was the third Harbour Light Centre for the treatment of alcoholism to be opened in Canada,” the website stated.
The Johnson Street food and shelter facility was demolished and redesigned for a more streamlined operation in 1980. Changes were made to the centre to incorporate the Harbour Lights Centre and a halfway house for men.
In 1982, the Johnson Street building opened again but was named the Victoria ARC to reflect the centre’s beginnings on Cormorant Street and its capacity as an addictions and rehabilitation centre. The same year, the Yates Street location closed down according to the website.
Randhawa said he is grateful for the kindness the community has shown over the years.
“Through all those years of those people who’ve been graciously supporting the Salvation Army thrift stores, whether making their donations or by shopping and making a choice to shop locally at the thrift store, they’ve been able to help fund our programs and our services which include those ones that help us meet the need of the community.”
Although March 23, is the last day items available to buy, the location will be open to drop off donations until March 31.
Greater Victoria consumers can still shop at 990 Hillside Avenue, 3934 Quadra Street, and 1551 Cedar Hill Cross Road and soon at a new Westshore location opening this spring according to Randhawa.
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