How to determine which classics to keep on your shelves

Amazon just opened a store—an actual store. They have shelves, a front door and even a real cash wrap. Amazon just confirmed what the rest of us have always known: Having a physical location is a vital part of the sales process.

Keep these things top of mind to remain financially viable

When I first began overseeing the bookstores and coffee shops at Celebration Church in 2011, I wrestled with whether I was leading a business or a ministry. To me, the two felt mutually exclusive.

Determining whether your store is a business or a ministry is not a problem to solve but a tension to manage. I believe the ultimate success of a church bookstore is determined by how well this tension is managed.

In the last several years, I have found four main things I need to do well for our store to fulfill its ministry purpose—and remain financially viable. Consider these:

Get answers to your questions on the business of retail

Since introducing “Ask Lorraine” in the December-January issue of Christian Retailing, I’ve received great feedback and questions from my fellow retailers. In this issue, I tackle the topics of tradeshows, inspirational gift trends and pricing policy:

Get answers to your questions on the business of retail

Thank you for reading my inaugural “Ask Lorraine” column! In this column, I plan to share what I’ve learned from connecting with other retailers as well as my own thoughts on what makes Christian retail all that it can be in terms of ministry and business. Now, let’s get started:

How to use SWOT to strengthen and grow your store

My 30-plus years in sales has led me to implement several processes to help business owners. My favorite by far is the SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity, Threat) analysis.

This approach prompts owners to take an internal look at their business model. Afterward, they can easily identify their strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Most importantly, a SWOT analysis lays a foundation to help owners change the course of their businesses from shrinking to growing; from weak to strong; and from lower to higher profits.

How inspiring your team can benefit your business

Leadership—and how it relates to ministry—is a subject I address before audiences across America. I get to help all kinds of people in all kinds of situations at live events and through “The Leadership Momentum” podcast. It’s amazing to see how many ideas are floating around about leadership. In every organization, it seems to mean something different. But should it?