CBA leader says round of veteran closures underscores need for 'optimum level' performance

More than two centuries of Christian retailing have come to an end with the closure of several long-standing stores whose owners are familiar to many in the industry.

Internet and digital sales were cited for the shuttering of well-known stores from California to Connecticut that between them clocked up 200-plus years' business.

Ray Primus closed the last of what were once his three Mustard Seed Christian Books & Gifts outlets, in Waterbury, Conn., in January, after 35 years. The same month saw the doors close at Treasure House Christian bookstore, operated in Longview, Wash., since the 1960s by Calvary Community Church.

February marked the final days of business for The Door Christian Bookstore in San Carlos, Calif., after more than 30 years, while south in the state Long's Christian Bookstore in Rancho Cucamonga was preparing to close down by the end of last month after more than a quarter century.

Abilene Educational Supply and Christian Bookstore on the campus of Abilene Christian University in Abilene, Texas, is preparing to go out of business next month after 60-plus years.

In addition to the Internet, big-box competition and the economy, Primus said that a lack of support from local churches had been a factor in the closure of his stores.

"It amazes me that the pastors of these churches preach to their people to give them their money to further the kingdom of God, but when it comes time for them to buy Christian items, they often go to a secular bookstore or Amazon.com, both of which sell the satanic Bible, the Koran, New Age books and porn.  

"It is like they are voting to keep those outlets available because they can save a buck or it's easier than to support their brothers in the Lord who are sacrificing their lives bringing the Word to people who might be misled by non-Christian outlets," Primus added. "On top of it all, our stores send people to their churches and help keep them going."

In an open letter to customers, Door owners Mike and Kathy Dunn said that they had not been able to withstand the storm of the economy "nor the Internet Goliath." Online retailers were "too big of foes for a mom-and-pop store."

CBA Chairman George Thomsen warned against reading too much into the closure of a group of longtime stores.

"I do not think it wise to try and jump to a single conclusion," he said. "Stores close every year for different reasons. In some cases, it could be a problem with a lease such as an increase or termination. In others, it may be the ownership is older and wants to retire, but does not have any younger family members who want to continue in the business.  

"Certainly in recent years there have been stores that have closed due to the impact of the down economy," Thomsen added. "Others have not embraced new realities or made necessary changes fast enough. If it says anything to our industry, I believe it is that this is all the more reason for retailers to be sure they are doing everything they can to operate at optimum level."