The Woman’s Exchange, a non-profit consignment store and charity dedicated to the support of Sarasota and Manatee counties’ local arts community, will be acquiring the neighboring retail space in the Short Stop Market, which will be closing at the end of this June. The Short Stop, located on South Orange Avenue between Laurel and Oak, has been in business for over fifty years and made a name for itself by vastly raising the expectations of what a convenience store could offer as Downtown Sarasota grew more and more upscale over the years.

Though this little piece of Sarasota history will be missed, all good things must come to an end, and we can take solace in knowing that its space will be put to meaningful use. The Woman’s Exchange will be knocking down the wall between the two spaces, effectively raising their retail space from about 10,000 SF to about 14,000 SF. The acquisition will also net the Woman’s Exchange a parking area with room for at least ten parking spots. These additions will greatly facilitate the store’s business, which has to date raised over $8 million for grants and scholarships.

Both properties’ owners are thoroughly satisfied with the transaction. Ali Molavi, owner of the Short Stop since he acquired it in 2002, was reluctant to sell until he was offered an opportunity to sell the space to Woman’s Exchange CEO Karen Koblenz, who understands and respects the value of the Short Stop to the community. Koblenz is thrilled to grow the Woman’s Exchange’s ability to give back to Sarasota through grants and charity.

The Woman’s Exchange will be removing the wall and expanding at some point later this summer. And yes – they will be preserving the iconic mural which adorns the facade of the Short Stop.

To learn more about the transaction, check out Zach Murdock’s article on the Herald Tribune.