After 20 years serving the community, The Salvation Army is closing its Comox Thrift Store located at 1785 Comox Ave. The store is one of three serving the community.
Due to several mitigating factors, including the financial viability of operating three stores in the community during COVID-19, the decision was made to close the store, with no plans to re-open in the future.
“The decision to close the store did not come easily, and we are deeply saddened,” says Captain Michelle Elsasser. “Several factors played into our decision, but at the end of the day it boiled down to finances. We simply cannot afford to keep operating the store any longer, while serving the community effectively.”
The biggest contributing factor is the change in the local economy due to COVID-19. In order to continue having a presence in the community in other ways, it was a necessary business decision. Moving forward, the organization will focus its efforts on operating its two other stores, located at 2966 Kilpatrick Ave. and 1671 Ryan Rd.
“Right now, our focus is going to be our team,” says Elsasser. “We need to ensure they are taken care of, because they’ve served this community diligently for years. We will also continue to focus on improving operations in our two other main stores so we can continue to serve those in the community who need our help.”
The Salvation Army has operated in the Comox Valley for 56 years, serving with compassion and without discrimination, and providing hope for those in need. Today, the Army operates several programs and services, including a food bank, clothing support, personal counseling, job training, spiritual services, and others.
“I would like to thank the community for years of dedicated patronage and support,” said Elsasser. “We can only do the work we do, because of their ongoing support. And while this is a sad occasion, we can look to the future with optimism because we are going to continue to operate and serve this great community.”