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TYPE: Independent REGION: Southeast LOCATION: New bookstore location in the middle of a new mini-strip center. FIVE-STAR RATING: APPEARANCE: INVENTORY: STAFF: External appearance: The sign and logo are very visible from the busy highway nearby. Large windows and a clean, impressive appearance.
Window display: The large clear windows featured various gift displays (mugs, picture frames) on glass shelves.
Entrance: Upon entering the front door, the card section divides the store in half, with music and some gifts to the left and books/gifts to the right. A large cashier counter is to the left, giving staff an immediate view of customers entering. Product displays included some highlighted music, children’s products and two comfortable chairs in the front of the store.
Layout and inventory: This store had recently moved to a brand-new complex, a more prominent position near the main highway. Its previous location was slightly larger, and probably due to that, this store houses a lot of merchandise. However, the management has found a way to feature a variety of product without cluttering up the store. Everything still seems very tidy and organized.
Music’s new releases and best-sellers were displayed along the left wall, including a large supply of videos and an impressive amount of accompaniment tracks. New and best-selling books were displayed prominently on the right wall.
In the back of the store, an extra room provided the Bibles and church supplies with their own headquarters. The aisles were used for “budget” books and music, as well as salvation tracts and comic-book displays. The store featured gifts and framed art throughout the store, but certainly the focus here is on books and music.
Appearance: The store was very “homey” and clean. And there was also a well-organized selection of products.
Staff: One of the store’s brightest spots. No less than four friendly staff offered their greetings, including the owner. Each asked if they could provide assistance, and were seen helping customers and making themselves available. They certainly made visitors feel welcome and wanted.
Verdict: A very pleasant shopping experience. I would enjoy shopping and chatting with the staff again.
If this were your regular store? It would be great. It’s a little farther away from where I live, but it would certainly be worth it to stop in and visit.
Would a non-Christian feel comfortable here? Yes. Although it’s very evident that this is a Christian bookstore, non-Christians would feel welcomed.
What will you remember of your visit a week from now? The down-home friendliness of the staff and owner.
THE STORE OWNER RESPONDS:  Thank you so much for visiting our store. Your review was so kind. We are in a new location, but our store has been in existence for 46 years.
We are very proud of our store, and you are correct when you say our store’s brightest spot is our staff. They truly are the best!
We concentrate on breadth, not depth, in our inventory. This enables us to meet a wide variety of needs. Our Bible room is our pride and joy. We feel our ministry is well met in our Bible and reference areas. Thank you again for your visit and kind words.
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