Two downtown businesses are merging,

Literary Bookpost and Just the Thing Learning Store will combine at 110 S. Main St., the current location of the bookstore, according to a news release from Bill Greene, part owner of Literary Bookpost.

Just the Thing will move the last weekend of this month and the new store will be open Sept. 30.

“The merger allows both stores to grow by pairing two strong female retailers and creating a dynamic new team with the best in old style learning tools (Books!) with the latest and greatest in new learning tools, games and aids,” the news release said.

“The new store will focus on its customers and delivering the best in customer service. After years of politely referring joint customers across the street to find a game or book, our customers can now find it under one roof in the beautifully renovated store at 110 South Main Street.”

The merger will also allow both stores to grow as they share resources and focus on expanding business outside Salisbury and attracting more customers throughout the Charlotte region, the news release said.

Literary Bookpost opened in August 1998 and has more than 30,000 books available with local and regional authors highlighted, the news release said. The store’s owners say they pride themselves on being able to secure hard-to-find books. The store hosts author events and book clubs.

The store has been operated by Gwen and Greg Matthews and Bill and Cora Greene for the past two years after being founded by Deal Safrit and Sheila Brownlow.

Just the Thing Learning Store opened in July 2007 with Glenda and Barry Dyson as owners. Glenda Dyson had 23 years of teaching experience before opening the store. The store specializes in educational toys, games, books, parent and teacher supplies and offers laminating services and free gift wrapping.