After almost 30 years of operation, Wangaratta's Lutheran Op Shop is preparing to close its doors in January.

Coordinator Shirley Knobel, who has been involved with the op shop since its inception in 1996, said it would be the end of an era when the Orwell Street store closed for the final time on 17 January.

However, those involved say the time has come, with fewer volunteers available to assist with the church-run operation, and the physical work involved taking its toll.

Treasurer Geoff Schreiber, 79, has been involved for 11 years and oversees sales in the adjoining nursery as well as filling a multitude of other roles.

He said he and Shirley, 89, were among the last church members involved, and there were no younger people available to take over the running of the op shop.

"I'm here seven days a week, and it is fairly physical - I'm 10kg lighter than I was when I was working," he said.

A crook shoulder in recent years has also inhibited Geoff's work, which includes moving stock, taking unsaleable items to the tip, and potting 70 to 80 plants each week for the nursery.

Since the announcement of the impending closure, Shirley and Geoff said there had been an emotional response from regulars, and from volunteers - many of them aged in their 80s.

"People are devastated," Geoff said.

Shirley agreed: "Some were in tears and said it really is the end of an era."

Open two days a week - on Thursday from 8.30am to 3pm, and Saturday from 8.30am to 12.30pm - the op shop provides $60,000 in cash donations annually to local charities.

"It follows our mission statement - to help the needy who God loves dearly," Shirley said.

"We see people with all kinds of different stories - some are down and out, some may have lost everything in a fire, others come in for a listening ear.

"It's been very important to the community, and they have been very supportive of it."

Geoff added: "I have had some people say they come in just to listen to the music."

Locals also appreciate the reasonable prices and the range of items available at the op shop, including homemade cakes, jams and relishes, which alone bring in $14,000 each year to assist with the general running of the church.

The regard in which the op shop is held was demonstrated in the aftermath of a 2007 fire which caused $20,000 damage to the Orwell Street building.

"We lost all our stock, but got lots of donations in to help us start up again," Shirley said.

Now, the focus is on moving on the current stock before the 17 January closing date, with no more donations being accepted.

The op shop's usual offer to shoppers to fill a bag of clothing has been reduced from $5 to $3, stock also includes a wide range of books, shoes, jams and homewares, and Geoff still has lots of plants he hopes will go to good homes.

Shirley and Geoff encouraged locals to drop by and pick up a bargain, and also to farewell the much-loved op shop.

"I'm pleased we've had the opportunity to serve and work so well with the community," Shirley said.