Following DAV closures, the future of another thrift store is in question

Last week, Have You Heard? reported that all of Wichita’s DAV stores have closed following financial issues.

Then, readers started reporting that as they shopped at the Economy Corner thrift store downtown, store clerks told them the store would be permanently closing because of structural issues in the basement and delayed maintenance at the building at the northwest corner of Central and Broadway.

It turns out that’s not entirely accurate. Though the store will be closing, there’s hope it could reopen.

First Presbyterian Church and Grace Presbyterian Church run the longtime business. In response to questions from The Eagle, First Presbyterian issued a statement:

“The Economy Corner will temporarily close beginning October 1 due to structural safety concerns. First Presbyterian Church is exploring options to continue this valuable ministry.”

The store opened in 1960 following a sale the Presbyterian Women held to raise money. The group used items that didn’t sell to start the store, which has been a popular one through the decades.

“I’m sick about it,” shopper Jami Frazier Tracy e-mailed. “This is much worse than the closing of DAV in Wichita, in my opinion.”

In her e-mail, Tracy said she knows some people will disagree with her assessment, but she said, “I’ve shopped at thrift stores for over 40 years and the Economy Corner truly is my favorite of all time! I have found the neatest, coolest things there over the years AND they have a great mission of helping the community.”

Look for details on what will happen with the store as soon as they’re available.