Threatened stores refocus on outreach; retailers and suppliers rally ‘to provide a Christian presence’

UNITED KINGDOM

A new vision for Christian retail in the country is emerging in the wake of a major change that some feared could have sunk large parts of the industry.

More than 20 bookstores that seemed to be heading for closure have been resurrected as part of a new model, while retailers and suppliers have begun to forge closer links for the future.

Living Oasis centers that aim to combine selling of Christian resources with local community outreach have taken the place of the former Wesley Owen stores closed when the chain—the largest in the U.K.—was sold off by parent company IBS-STL at the end of last year.

The initiative—“to provide a Christian presence on our high streets”—is being funded by charity Nationwide Christian Trust (NCT). Rev. Andy Twilley—the group’s director of Christian life and ministry, who is helping lead Oasis—said that there had been “wholehearted support and excitement about the vision,” from local churches.

Adrian Plass, one of the U.K.’s leading Christian authors, was on hand to cut the ribbon for the opening of the first new Oasis store, in Harrogate, England. Local civic and church leaders have taken part in dedication ceremonies at other locations from Inverness, Scotland, in the north to Worthing on England’s south coast.

Re-opening the stores in their old locations is in many cases an interim measure, with plans to move to larger premises that can accommodate coffee bars and meeting places for people in the area. “We believe that the financial viability of the shops requires such a move, and so we are actively looking for new premises in many of the areas,” said Twilley. “These are both larger in size and more centrally located, in order to be positioned where more folk are shopping.”

The outlets looked to be lost when Wesley Owen went on the block along with IBS-STL’s distribution and publishing divisions. CLC International (U.K.) and Australia’s Koorong chain bought a total of 16 prime store locations between them, leaving 26 others set for closure before NCT stepped in.

Also running the U.K.’s main distribution service, the IBS-STL sale had wider implications for the country’s estimated 500 stores, prompting an industry summit in January that saw the launch of Christian Resources Together (CRT).

Founded to increase cooperation and partnerships, the new body hosted a two-day retreat in May attended by more than 170 retailer and supplier representatives. “Stronger Together-Weaker Apart” featured time for fellowship and prayer, supplier presentations and workshops on effective buying and bookstore management.

Ian Metcalfe, publisher of Bibles and digital for Hodder & Stoughton, said that there was “a real buzz and camaraderie” at the event. “Let’s hope it’s the start of a good time for collaboration and meaningful partnership across our trade,” he added.

Joy McIlroy, manager of Ashburnham Bookshop at Ashburnham Place conference center in East Sussex, organizer of a national Day of Prayer for the industry, said that there was “a buzz and an energy about the place that had been seriously lacking in our industry in recent months.”

Many people had arrived disillusioned and fearful, she said, but left “feeling refreshed, enthused, inspired and hopeful. We all knew in our heads that we needed to be stronger together, but I believe we now truly know in our hearts how to do it.”

CRT coordinator Steve Briars said that the business climate remained “tough,” but there was “a new sense of optimism.” Clem Jackson, editor of the U.K. publication, Christian Marketplace, agreed, “though no one underestimates the size of the challenge before us,” he said. “It isn’t going to be easy, but at least there is more energy around.”

The retreat also saw the presentation of the CRT Awards, with Lion Hudson named Publisher. Other awards included: Small Retailer: Christian Books in Dunstable, Bedfordshire. Large Retailer: GLO Bookshop in Motherwell, Scotland, and Faith Mission Bookshop in Portadown, Northern Ireland. Card and Gift Supplier: Teal Press.