Published Nov 01, 2013
NASHVILLE – LifeWay Christian Stores has opened 17 new stores in seven states – the result of acquiring Berean Christian Stores with locations primarily in California, Arizona and the Midwest.
Thom S. Rainer, president and CEO of LifeWay Christian Resources, the parent company of LifeWay Christian Stores, said the acquisition is a tremendous opportunity to serve more customers in new communities.
“Berean, like LifeWay, has been known for their commitment to serving church customers. This acquisition significantly increases LifeWay’s opportunities for service and ministry across the country,” Rainer said.
“One aspect of the Berean acquisition that was most attractive to us,” he continued, “was the number of stores located in the West. Almost overnight we dramatically increased our service to churches and believers in California as well as southern Arizona and even western Montana. We look forward to developing those relationships and better understanding their unique needs for trustworthy resources.”
Stores in California (that formerly were Berean) are in Bakersfield, Fresno, Redlands, Riverside, Sacramento, San Diego and San Jose. The new locations join three existing LifeWay Stores in Brea, Tustin and at Golden Gate Seminary in Mill Valley. Hours, locations and directions are available at www.LifeWay.com, click on Store Locator, then California.
By the end of October, LifeWay operated 186 stores in 28 states.
Tim Vineyard, vice president of LifeWay’s retail division, said his staff are opening the stores as quickly as possible, but first must conduct comprehensive inventories, convert the stores to LifeWay’s systems and products, and train employees.
“It’s a herculean effort by our staff – both in the stores and at our Nashville headquarters,” Vineyard said. “But we are committed to opening as quickly as possible in order to serve our customers with LifeWay Bible studies, music and VBS materials, B&H Publishing’s Bibles, books and church supplies, and a variety of inspirational gifts and home decor.”
Berean Christian Stores was started in 1934 and purchased by Joseph and Deanna Gimelli in 2009, who said they are pleased to transition their stores to LifeWay.
“Frankly, we cannot think of a partner more compatible and more fully committed to meeting the needs of believers and their churches,” Joseph said. “This opportunity is truly a blessing for our customers and our employees.”
While technology systems at the new stores are being converted immediately to LifeWay’s systems, Vineyard said transition of employee uniforms, internal and external signage, and merchandising plans will take a few weeks.