By Marty King
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Over a two week period, Lifeway Christian Stores is opening 17 new stores in seven states – the result of acquiring Berean Christian Stores with locations primarily in California, Arizona and the Midwest.
Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of Lifeway Christian Resources, the parent company of Lifeway Christian Stores, said the acquisition is a tremendous opportunity to serve more customers in new communities.
“Berean, like Lifeway, has been known for their commitment to serving church customers. This acquisition significantly increases Lifeway’s opportunities for service and ministry across the country,” Rainer said.
By the end of October, Lifeway will operate 186 stores in 28 states.
Tim Vineyard, vice president of Lifeway’s retail division, said his staff are opening the stores as quickly as possible, but first must conduct comprehensive inventories, convert the stores to Lifeway’s systems and products, and train employees.
“It’s a herculean effort by our staff – both in the stores and at our Nashville headquarters,” Vineyard said. “But we are committed to opening as quickly as possible in order to serve our customers with Lifeway Bible studies, music and VBS materials, B&H Publishing’s Bibles, books and church supplies, and a variety of inspirational gifts and home décor.”
Three former Berean stores in both Ohio and Pennsylvania and one each in Georgia and Montana have already opened as Lifeway Stores, while seven stores in California and two in Arizona will open the first week of October.
Berean Christian Stores was started in 1934, and purchased by Joseph and Deanna Gimelli in 2009 who said they are pleased to transition their stores to Lifeway stores.
“Frankly, we cannot think of a partner more compatible and more fully committed to meeting the needs of believers and their churches,” Joseph said. “This opportunity is truly a blessing for our customers and our employees.”
While technology systems at the new stores are being converted immediately to Lifeway’s systems, Vineyard said transition of employee uniforms, internal and external signage, and merchandising plans will take a few weeks.
Carol Hoefs says
September 30, 2013 at 12:45 pmJust wondering if any of these new stores will be anywhere near Tucker, GA?
We do not have a Christian bookstore like Lifeway in Tucker. We could sure use one.
Robin Dolbow says
September 30, 2013 at 12:46 pmThe New England area would love a lifeway store 😉
Tim mitchem says
September 30, 2013 at 1:13 pmWe need one in Wv
Don Shurts says
September 30, 2013 at 2:17 pmAlways glad to see another Lifeway store opening to serve Christians and help spread the good news of Jesus Christ! Is Dayton, Ohio on your radar for opening a new store?
Carol Wheeler says
September 30, 2013 at 2:39 pmPlease open a Lifeway Store in the Springfield, MA area! We are severely lacking in good solid Christian Education Resources in the New England area. What religious bookstores that are here are mostly gift shops and cater to all faiths. Thank you.
Rachael Brown says
September 30, 2013 at 3:16 pmI have talked with a couple different associates in your stores as well as posted on your Facebook page abou this. I would absolutely love to see a Life Way Store in the Alliance Town Center area located in Fort Worth Texas; it’s a booming area in the metroplex that is grown 10 times in the last several years. Business is thriving here and we have to drive a considerable distance to enjoy your store. Please, please, please consider bringing a lifeways store to this location.
God bless,
Rachael Brown
Debra Delk says
September 30, 2013 at 6:22 pmWe would love to have a store in Monticello Kentucky!
Kimberly Wilson says
September 30, 2013 at 11:49 pmWe need more Lifeway Christian Bookstores in Chicago,Illinois.Preferrably in Hyde Park, Oak Park, illinois,Evergreen park,Illinois.The only one in chicago is located in Moody Bible Institute,which limits the nunber of christian products they can advertise and sell. They carry few of the clothing advertised in the Lifeway catologs, Nevertheless,the salesclerks are welcoming,helpful,and knowledgeable about products!