Riverton Community Op Shop Trust chairman Craig Broderick said the idea for moving the 14-year-old business had come from a "generous" Southland couple who wanted to see the long-serving operation thrive in a new environment.
"A very generous farming couple bought the building which used to house the New Life Church — then approached the op shop and asked us if we wanted to lease the space," Mr Broderick said.
"They completely refurbished the rundown building and have let [the trust] use the space for a very minimal fee.
"They wanted the op shop and the community to both grow in the new space and this was also their way of giving back."
The former store had operated out of Stuart Hall within the Union Chapel complex. A team of volunteers had kept the op shop running since it opened in 2011.
Trust treasurer Lynette Heath said it was the volunteers who had made the store a success and making connections with the shoppers brought the community together.
"This little store has made over $200,000 in 14 years and it could not have been done without the volunteers," Mrs Heath said.
"The op shop has brought a lot of people together and has also given back to the community."
The shift to 157 Palmerston St would not only enable the business to operate from a bigger and more modern building but the new space would provide more of a "social hub" for people to meet.
Op shop manager Annette Alexander said the new store was about creating meaningful experiences not just for the community but also for its volunteer workers.
"We’ve got a lot of volunteers that are new to the district, so this has been a very important way for them to make connections with people in their new home," Mrs Alexander said.
Despite the move being "a challenge", the hard work of the volunteers and the support from the trust would lead to the new store, "touching everybody within the community".
"This bigger space on the main road will draw more people into the area," Mrs Alexander said.
"I actually just want us to give more to the community, and help more people.
"That is my goal."
The Riverton Community Op Shop will open at its new site tomorrow.
