HORSHAM'S Salvation Army will continue its operations as normal after closing its Firebrace Street opportunity shop on Friday, Captain Chris Sutton says.
About six volunteers and one full-time manager worked at the shop which was open five days a week.
The shop opened in 2015 after the Horsham Salvation Army decided its Lynott Street opportunity shop was too overcrowded.
Captain Sutton said the Firebrace Street shop was no longer profitable and that the cost of rent was a factor for it closing.
"The volunteers at the shop have been aware of the financial situation for some time now. A few locals have come in and told us they are disappointed about the closure," he said.
"Some volunteers will stay on and work from the Lynott Street shop instead. We will focus on making people aware that our other shop is still open.
"I want to thank our manager Carol and all the volunteers for their hard work over these past five years."
He said the Salvation Army would expand its Lynott Street shop to accommodate for the change.
"We have been very blessed over the last few months with people donating a lot of items to us; we're struggling to find space but encourage people to still donate if they wish," he said.
He said it was important that regional centres like Horsham had a variety of opportunity shops.
"We provide cheap and affordable clothing and furniture that helps support people in our community who are struggling. If we don't have something particular, then one of the other shops might," he said.
The Salvation Army has donation bins at the Horsham Plaza carpark and at its Lynott Street site. It also has drop-off points in Warracknabeal and Dimboola.
Horsham's Australia Red Cross opportunity shop, Horsham Vinnies and Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary opportunity shop have been contacted for comment about whether the shop's closure will affect them.
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