AUBURN — For decades, Axis Natural Foods existed in a wee space at a tiny Center Street mall.

It was quaint. It was familiar.

It was too small.

“It’s always been such a hole in the wall,” said longtime employee Joanne D’Unger. “It was claustrophobic.”

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary, the natural food store is moving on up. Actually, it’s moving on over, to the former Movie Gallery.

That’s at 120 Center St., down the road from Axis’ former home at 250 Center.

On Thursday, it was still in transition but open for business at the new store. It’s not the first time Axis has moved — it started out on Lisbon Street in Lewiston, moved over to the Promenade Mall and then pulled stakes and moved to Center Street on the other side of the bridge.

According to D’Unger, space was the main issue behind the move this time. And in the new home, the extra room is apparent at once.

“It’s over three times the size,” D’Unger said. “It’s kind of eye-popping. Kind of jaw-dropping.”