Bay County is getting a second — and much larger — Salvation Army thrift store

Ebonee Burrell, The News Herald
·2 min read
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PANAMA CITY — The build-out is underway for a second Salvation Army thrift store set to open in Bay County later this year.

The Salvation Army of Panama City's new store sits at 2329 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in the former Lucky's Market building and is expected to open in early September. Renovation work began in November.

Maj. Ed Binnix, core officer of the Panama City Salvation Army, said the additional location will offer stronger retail opportunities than the 15th Street store.

Work is underway for a new Salvation Army thrift store in Panama City at 2329 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in the former Lucky’s Market location.
Work is underway for a new Salvation Army thrift store in Panama City at 2329 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., in the former Lucky’s Market location.

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“Although our original location does very well, we wanted to be closer to more potential customers that reside in the Lynn Haven and Callaway areas,” he said about the new location. “And this area is the best retail location on this side of the bridge.”

Occupying about 10,000 square feet, the new store is about three times the size of the original one. Binnix said the organization has put aside clothing, furniture and other items to fill the shelves of the new store once it opens.

Binnix anticipates the store will bring more funding for the Salvation Army's programs — such as transitional housing, food pantry and direct assistance — to allow the organization to assist more families.

Occupying about 10,000 square feet, the new Salvation Army store at 2329 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is about three times the size of the original one.
Occupying about 10,000 square feet, the new Salvation Army store at 2329 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. is about three times the size of the original one.

“Most of these programs have been heavily utilized due to Hurricane Michael and the pandemic, and we want to ensure that families are able to use these resources," Binnix said. "So, the more money we’re able to raise through our thrift stores, the more services we’re able to provide in the community."

While details are still in the works for an official opening date and a grand opening ceremony, Binnix said the organization looks forward to a swift opening once the store is completed.

For more information or to donate to the Salvation Army of Panama City, visit salvationarmyflorida.org/panamacity.

This article originally appeared on The News Herald: Salvation Army building 10,000-square-foot Panama City thrift store