By Carol Pipes
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—Lifeway Christian Resources is ranked as one of the top companies in the nation for customer service by Newsweek magazine.
Lifeway landed at No. 1 for brick and mortar bookstores on Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Customer Service 2019—the first time the magazine has published rankings in this category.
“We are honored to receive this recognition from Newsweek,” said Lifeway President and CEO Thom S. Rainer. “Being included on this list underscores the value Lifeway places on its customers and highlights the excellence of our employees as they live out Lifeway’s mission and values every day.”
Art Tennille, national field director for Lifeway Christian Stores, said he’s read thousands of comments over the years from customers who have shared about a meaningful experience at one of Lifeway’s stores.
“The common thread in all of them is a caring, personal and authentic interaction with a Lifeway sales associate who has in some way served them with excellence,” Tennille said. “Our people are truly passionate about serving others and helping them navigate their faith journey, and this takes place over and over again each day as our doors open in cities across the nation. I’m so grateful for our front-line teams; they bring Lifeway’s mission to life!”
Newsweek partnered with market research company Statista to identify America’s best companies for customer service. Statista surveyed more than 20,000 U.S. customers who have either made purchases, used services or gathered information about products or services in the past three years.
The anonymous survey asked customers whether they would recommend brands to friends or family. They were also asked to assess brands in the following areas: quality of communications, technical competence, range of services, customer focus and accessibility.
Janice Bell, Lifeway’s director of customer service, said she was excited to hear Lifeway had been recognized in this specific area of service.
“When customers engage with Lifeway, we desire their experience to be one where they feel valued and assured that we strive to be their primary source for providing biblical solutions and services to meet their needs,” said Bell. “Through the quality of service we provide, we hope customers will know we’re trustworthy, we’re invested in supporting their ministry, we care and we are here to serve them.”
Earlier this year, Forbes magazine recognized Lifeway as one of America’s Best Midsize Employers and Best Employers for Women.
Founded in 1891, Lifeway Christian Resources is one of the world’s largest providers of Christian products and services, including Bibles, books, Bible studies, church supplies and other Christian resources. The Nashville-based company owns and operates more than 170 Lifeway Christian Stores across the nation.
To see the full list of companies on America’s Best Customer Service 2019, visit Newsweek.com. For more information about Lifeway Christian Resources, visit LifeWay.com.
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Carol Pipes is Lifeway’s director of corporate communications.