By Kristyne E. Demske
C & G Staff Writer

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — A storefront that’s been empty for almost two years will get a new occupant this fall, when the Salvation Army moves two miles north to a bigger location.

The charity is moving from a 20,000-square-foot store in Utica, on Van Dyke Avenue, to a 33,000-square-foot facility on the northeast corner of 23 Mile Road and Van Dyke, which Klingman’s furniture store occupied until 2006.

“We needed more retail for our customers and a better flow system for donations in the back because we’re averaging about 1,400 donors a week,” said Jack Kinney, director of operations for Salvation Army in the state. “Through the front door we average anywhere from 400-700 customers a day.”

Township Supervisor Ralph Maccarone said the plans were approved by the Planning Commission and didn’t have to come to the full Board of Trustees for approval because it was a permitted use for the site.

“It’s always good to see vacant space occupied,” he said. “I’m, personally, pleased that we’re able to participate.”

Kinney said the site is upscale inside and out, and will feature wider aisles and “a better merchandise presentation.”

The charity is also opening a Hall Road location in the former Media Play building in Utica Sept. 6 and expects the Shelby Township location to open in late October.

“We’re expanding because, first of all, the public’s been very benevolent,” he said. “Our donation base is up this year.”

He said the aesthetics of the building would allow them to have a “higher-class” location with great displays for their shoppers and easy drop-offs for donors.

“I believe that, certainly, that the shopper is looking for high-quality goods at a very reasonable, low price,” he said. “When you look at our racks, many of our items still have new tickets on them.”

He said the Shelby Township and Utica area has been very good for them, as well, which is why they wanted to stay local when the company needed bigger storefronts.

“We’ve had a good history on Van Dyke and we wanted to remain there, so we’re moving two miles north,” Kinney said. “We’ll be able to provide the same quality merchandise, but more of it with new, higher-end racking display models, that type of thing.”

You can reach Staff Writer Kristyne E. Demske at kdemske@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1041.