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 have been 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 & Gift 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.

This month marks 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 has been preparing to close down by the end of March 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 in May.

CBA Chairman George Thomsen cautioned against reading too much into the closures. "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."

He added: "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."

Read more in the April issue of Christian Retailing.

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