WILMINGTON, N.C. -- A business on Water Street is closing up shop after losing thousands due to construction.

• White Lake Wicks moved to its Water Street location in March 2018 because the owner thought it would be good for business.
• What they thought would take about five weeks turned into what is now 10 months.
• They aren't selling enough candles to pay rent, so they have to physically go out of business and rely on online sales.

White Lake Wicks moved to its Water Street location in March 2018 because the owner thought it would be good for business. Water Street is typically a location that gets a lot of foot traffic. But, the store owners say a few weeks after moving, a construction project started, closing the street off in front of their business. What they thought would take about five weeks turned into what is now 10 months.

"That cut into our business for Christmas, everything," said Wayne Reynolds. "So unfortunately, it's come to the point where we can't survive."

Reynolds said they aren't selling enough candles to pay for the rent, so they have to physically go out of business when the lease is over in February - only relying on online sales.

Wilmington spokesperson Dylan Lee said while the work is taking longer than anticipated, it is something that needs to be done.

Contract workers are updating old sewer lines and infrastructure.

"We regret the inconvenience, but the long term gain is certainly worth it because the new infrastructure will allow downtown to grow and flourish, and prevent us from having to tear up those streets again."

Lee said he anticipates the construction being done in the next few weeks. He said this is just one part of a three phase project to update the downtown Wilmington area.