One of the largest Christian bookstore chains in the United States is closing its doors after nearly 85 years in business. Family Christian Bookstores announced in February that it would be closing all of its 240 locations for good.
Family Christian Bookstore President Chuck Bengochea stated in an interview with USA Today that declining sales numbers ultimately lead to the company’s closure.
“Despite improvements in product assortment and the store experience, sales continued to decline,” Bengochea told the newspaper. “In addition, we were not able to get the pricing and terms we needed from our vendors to successfully compete in the market.”
According to a press release on the Family Christian Bookstore website, the company transitioned from a for-profit retailer to a non-profit ministry in 2012.
A store employee with Family Christian Bookstore’s Douglasville location said the company could close within 10-12 weeks.
The company’s website features an announcement of “All Stores Closing, Everything Up To 30% Off!”
