While Christian retailers are popping up across the state, some churches are looking inward to provide for members’ needs.
Tera Ferguson, manager of Encouraging Word Bookstore at First Baptist, Gardendale, said the church opened a Christian bookstore about eight years ago. Initially, the store had only a few shelves in the library and was run by library volunteers.
Since then, hours have expanded, as has the store. Ferguson said the store handles many special orders.
The store is renovating its current space to add an area for children.
Another church-run store is the Briarwood Christian Store. Affiliated with Briarwood Presbyterian Church, the store has been open about 35 years.
“People trust what we carry,” Pat Hammond said, referring to the pastoral staff that reviews all literature to assure it is in line with biblical teachings.
If Hammond had more space, she said she’d like to expand the clothing merchandise, especially T-shirts for teenagers.
“My focus is not competing with others,” Hammond said. She said prices at larger retailers especially hurt the smaller business owners, but the loyal customer base from the church and the school help to keep the store going.
Catherine Shelton, manager of Central Christian Bookstore in Robertsdale, said the store operates as a ministry of Central Baptist, an independent Baptist church. The store, which opened in 1978, recently expanded from 900 square feet to 1,500.
Shelton said the store has a Christian catalog at Christmastime to advertise sales and places signs in the store’s window throughout the year.
Another Christian bookstore in Mobile is housed at Mobile Christian School. Lydia Bosarge, manager of the Mobile Christian Bookstore, said the store is affiliated with the Church of Christ but carries merchandise for many denominations. A bookstore with school materials was included when the school opened in 1962 but expanded to include other Christian merchandise in 1993.
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