WALLS have gone up for the latest business shifting to East Albury from the CBD.
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Tilt-slabs for the $1.2 million Autobarn were put in place this week by a crane at the site just off Borella Road next to Bunnings Warehouse.
The development comes as another retailer in the nearby Harvey Norman Centre prepares to shut-up shop.
Curtain Wonderland is having a closing down sale, however the store's last day of trading is unclear.
Store manager Kristy Eller said it was initially expected it would be mid to late November, but the lease on the premises runs until December 31.
Curtain Wonderland was one of the original stores to open at the former site of Albury's greyhound track in 2007.
"We do quite well, we trade quite well," Mrs Eller said.
"It's just the economic situation with the lease being up and the raise in the rent it has all come into play."
Five staff will lose their jobs due to the closure.
The opening of the Autobarn store will see the vehicle business expand on its existing Young Street hub.
Franchisee Sharee Downing said construction in East Albury still had some way to go before the premises opens.
"The store should be finished mid to late January for fitout and expected soft opening will be late January to early February," she said.
"A huge grand opening is pencilled in for the 29th of February."
It is the latest central Albury shop to switch trading to the East Albury area.
The store should be finished mid to late January for fitout and expected soft opening will be late January to early February
- Autobarn franchisee Sharee Downing
Autobarn's new neighbour Bunnings moved from its premises further north in Young Street early last year and nearby Total Tools moved to Borella Road from Hume Street in August 2018.
Meanwhile, Wodonga's Homemakers Furniture and Sleepzone stores off Victoria Cross Parade will close down next Thursday after 11 years.
Director Kerrie Burzacott said she had chosen to move away from being involved in business seven days a week in Wodonga and concentrate on her other furniture store Gallus and Rea in Albury.
Six staff are affected with most finding other jobs over a 14-week wind down.
