External appearance: The store is on a congested street, so the large store sign towering at the top of other stores on the strip marquee was helpful. In front, four parking slots were "reserved for (store) customers" with signage. Customers must walk down several steps from the parking lot to reach the store or use a ramp.

Window display: Three sections of windows faced the parking lot. Other windows also faced the busy street. Shelves with books on wire stands were visible.

Entrance: The store name plus "Resources for the Christian Journey" was on a blue strip with white letters across the storefront. The store name along with "books and Bibles, church supplies, gifts, music and cards" was on the door. A stack of gray baskets sat to the right.

Layout and inventory: The P.O.S. was at store center. "First choice" was in white lettering on blue signage, which matched the exterior signage and headed a three-shelf section beneath the counter.

A large curriculum section was immediately to the right. Behind that were church supplies and a floor-based Advent wreath, though Christmas was months away. A table with chairs was set up at the back in front of robes and beneath a "Joyful vestments" sign. Chancel set-ups included displays of offering plates, candles and altar supplies.

Along the back wall, Bibles were organized by translation. A VBS display was next and a clearance table with leadership books, followed by music and the children's department. Holy hardware was organized and visible in cylinders. A Noah's ark was at the center of a children's table. Multiple boxes of the ark were high above the shelves. A Kerusso children's products rack stood near the playtable.

Stepping into the area nearest the street allowed customers to feel like they were walking onto a front porch with a full view of a grassy hill through the windows. Lovely displays sat on nesting tables, and gifts were beautifully displayed, including baby products in a corner wood cabinet. 

Leaving the "porch," I re-entered the main store to see cards and books.

Appearance: Very tasteful.

Staff: I asked a female frontliner at the counter if the store had seasonal family devotionals. She came out from behind the counter to show me their limited stock, but admitted, "It's pretty picked over."

Verdict: Check that children's books are organized appropriately.

Substitute playthings without small parts on the children's table.

Clear the register countertop. It was hard to find a place to set my purchases.

If this were your regular store? Fine. The only thing that's difficult is access to and from the busy street.

Would a non-Christian feel comfortable here? Seeing curriculum immediately upon entering might be disconcerting.

What will you remember of your visit a week from now? This store is located near another Christian bookstore. Their inventories were vastly different, showing the variety in the Christian market!

THE STORE MANAGER RESPONDS:  "We are thankful for your observations and pleased that the mystery shopper would feel comfortable making this their regular store. We are always looking for feedback on how to improve our operation to provide a diverse selection of quality products and resources."

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