A long-established Christian retail store was due to open under new ownership today, after veteran independent Christian retailer Richard Thomason sold his Gospel Supply Christian Books and Gifts in Tuscaloosa, Ala., to LifeWay Christian Stores (LCS).

The acquisition brings the chain's total number of outlets to 137 in 23 states, with 10 in Alabama. Having previously sold his Huntsville operation to LifeWay in 1998, Thomason approached the chain about his Tuscaloosa store when he began to prepare for retirement after more than 30 years in Christian retailing.

Having seen the Huntsville store continue to flourish, Thomason said that he and his wife "had a peace about entrusting our Tuscaloosa store to LifeWay." The couple felt that the ministry they had started "will be in very capable hands as part of the LifeWay family," he added.

LCS President Mark Scott said that the chain had been delighted when contacted by Thomason who with his team had "done an excellent job serving the Tuscaloosa community. We hope to honor his ministry in the local area through our service to churches and individuals."

Thomason told The Tuscaloosa News that he had decided to sell while business was still booming, to spend more time with his grandchildren. "I wanted to sell from a position of strength," he said. "While small independents are struggling, many large independents like us are stable or growing."