Christian Supply stores close in Northwest

Written by Eric Tiansay

Monday, 12 October 2009 03:05 PM America/New_York

A regional chain in the Pacific Northwest, Christian Supply Centers (CSC) recently downsized, closing eight of its stores in September. The chain, owned by Oregon industrialist Robert Pamplin, still operates five stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

Jim Shelley, manager of the chain's store in Spokane, Wash., replaced former General Manager Gunnar Simonsen, who departed the company prior to the store closings. Shelley, who was not available to comment, will lead CSC with increased focus on the five remaining stores in cites such as Beaverton, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; and Cour d'Alene, Idaho.

Simonsen said he was thankful for his 14-year tenure at Christian Supply and for the new opportunity to "spread my wings." He added that there have been discussions of other regional chains--including Tree of Life and Rainbow West--showing interest in the areas where the Christian Supply stores were closed, notably the Portland, Ore., area.

"I have a heart for this region, and I want to see successful retail happen here," Simonsen told Christian Retailing. "It may look different, but at the end of the day, I'm hopeful for people still ready to support a Christian retail model in the Northwest."