Parable, a franchise of independent Christian retail stores, has announced the three Michigan-based Kregel Bookstores are on target to change their store names to Kregel Parable Christian Stores. The name change comes after Kregel joined the Parable franchise network earlier this year.

Jim Kregel, president of the 95-year-old family business, unveiled plans for the new name earlier this month at his company's three Michigan stores with locations in Grand Rapids, Kentwood and Grandville. “Our family-owned company has a strong reputation for superior selection, service and values. We see that adding a strong national brand name to a strong local brand complements those strengths,” Kregel said.

Chris Tromp, general manager of Kregel Parable Christian Stores, said Kregel looked at all the options for staying strong in a changing retail industry. “We believe banding together with other like-minded independents to form this franchise will keep us competitive by offering customers a consistent, quality shopping experience.”

The first newly named Kregel Parable Christian Stores in Grandville opened Aug. 1 with a store remodeling and brand change celebration. The two other stores will transition to new interior and exterior signage in early fall.