Salvation Army to occupy former Space Savers spot

An area nonprofit is taking advantage of midtown Wilmington’s burgeoning retail corridor.

Salvation Army officials plan to relocate its Carolina Beach Road thrift store into more than 9,400 square feet of retail space in the former Space Savers location on Floral Parkway.

The Carolina Beach Road retail location is about 5,000 square feet.

Mike Brown, a broker with Wilmington-based Cape Fear Commercial, executed the long-term lease between the Salvation Army and the building’s landlord.

Brown said he’s been working with the Salvation Army to lease the site since December 2011; the building has sat vacant since Cape Fear Commercial acquired leasing responsibilities for the former retail location in January 2010. 

Wilmington Salvation Army Major Richard Watts confirmed the move Wednesday afternoon.

“We were handed the keys to the building on Monday,” Watts said. “We’re beginning the process now of getting the appropriate permits necessary.”

The Salvation Army currently operates three locations in greater Wilmington, including thrift stores in Southport, in downtown Wilmington at 820 N. Second St. and at 2445 Carolina Beach Road.

Watts said its new Floral Parkway location will strictly be a retail thrift store, and all social and low-income nutrition programs, such as the family shelter, will remain at its downtown branch.

“We’re looking to open in mid July,” Watts said. “However, that could change.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store sells a variety of items, including gently used clothing, toys, electronics and furniture. All profits from items sold in the store are then distributed into accounts that assist residents needing rental, utility and food help.

Watts said the store’s newest location – across the street from the newly opened Whole Foods and the Hanover Center – could be a boon for profits that are returned to those in need for the community.

“We’re counting on the location to serve as an asset to our programs,” Watts said. “Wilmington is a very generous community and has been good to the Salvation Army for 125 years, and we’re looking forward to doing a better job because we now have a better facility and location.”