A GROUP of keen shoppers gathered outside the Salvation Army Thrift Shop doors at 1.30pm Friday, waiting for it to open for the first time in six weeks.

Now located at 56 Percy Street, Salvation Army volunteers have been packing, moving and unpacking for weeks, getting ready to open the new shop doors.

Salvation Army Portland Captain Peter Stamp said shop volunteers “have put a lot of time, effort and dedication” into preparing for the opening, and have still more stocking up to do.

He said donations will only be accepting during opening hours, and that leaving items outside the shop was not acceptable.

Store manager Roxane Bayona said the Thrift Shop was previously located in a warehouse at 33 Tyres Street for 10 years.

“We just wanted a much better space to be in and we wanted somewhere that just felt a bit more homely,” she said.

“It was dusty and constantly needed cleaning, where here it’s cleaner and fresher.

“There's no dust bunnies under the clothing racks and it looks like a proper shop.”

Despite already being open, the team will celebrate with a grand opening November 18, with a barbecue, fairy floss and a special sale.