Comments on: What’s up with Christian Retail?

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 13:43:22 +0000

Steve,
Very informative article – guess I need to get going on my next “Romance” novel.

Patrick

By: Lynnda Ell

Lynnda Ell — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:32:13 +0000

Steve and Patrick, you’re right about the selective stock in a church book store.

With my own metro market of over 1.5 million people being under-served by Christian retail stores, I believe that we need to find a new way to serve those people who do not buy on-line or use ereaders.

Am I imagining a pent-up demand for books in people who are isolated from the internet?

By: Patrick Craig

Patrick Craig — Thu, 13 May 2010 17:07:05 +0000

Steve,
How right you are about churches protecting their theology. I have ministered in many churches as a worship leader and teaching pastor and the books you find in their bookstores always (well, 99%)reflect the theology of that denomination. You might find a “speciality” book (I remember “The Cross and the Switchblade” crossed denominational lines – that’s how this Episcopalian kid got saved) but you won’t find much else by David Wilkerson in the St. Paul’s bookstore. But even CBA can be limited in the works that they publish. You will find plenty of Max Lucado, Joel Osteen, Beth More and Tony Campollo, but not any of the expose’ DVD’s by Chris Pinto.

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:30:13 +0000

Lyndda,

Excellent observation. The Church bookstore has become a viable alternative in many communities. But there are a couple drawbacks. 1) If you are not a part of that church it can feel awkward going to that store. Some feel a measure of “guilt”…I know they shouldn’t but I’ve heard that a couple times. 2) The church bookstore is going to be highly “edited” in what they carry on the shelves. There will not be an intrinsic diversity in the selection because the store will not want to offend members or promote views contrary to their own.

Church bookstores have siphoned off a measure of traditional CBA business, that is to be expected. But a church must be of considerable size to effectively support the cost of maintaining a viable in-house store. Some are staffed by volunteers. Some are relegated to a very small “closet-sized” space on the grounds. But others are wonderfully dynamic. I visited the store at Prestonwood Baptist Church in north Dallas and was very impressed.

Christian Retailing Magazine has a regular “Church Bookstore” issue that comes with the larger subscription and the articles are very well done.

By: Timothy Fish

Timothy Fish — Mon, 10 May 2010 20:06:23 +0000

I see no problem with publishers wanting to see on paper that a book will sell before they make an offer. The problem is that authors don’t follow the same rule before they write the book or fail to successfully make that determination.

I’ve never had a problem with the other stuff Christian bookstores sell. As a kid I liked that they also sold toys and other stuff, but as an adult I think they are missing their mark. When I can walk through the entire store and not see a single thing that I want, that is a problem. Stock stuff that I can actually use and I’ll frequent the store.

By: Lynnda Ell

Lynnda Ell — Mon, 10 May 2010 18:04:18 +0000

Steve, I have a comment and an additional question for you.

I live in New Orleans where one of the chain Christian retailers is closing at the end of the month. Many medium-to-large churches now have their own bookstores (in my opinion, partially in response to the derth of local Christian retail book stores). What impact – if any – do you think these church bookstores have on Christian retailers?

Thanks for you insights.

Lynnda

By: Kathleen

Kathleen — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:27:59 +0000

i.e. reality is our best friend?

By: Patrick Craig

Patrick Craig — Mon, 10 May 2010 17:17:19 +0000

Steve,
Very informative article – guess I need to get going on my next “Romance” novel.

Patrick