LifeWay Christian Stores has acquired Living Word Christian Bookstore in Sarasota, Fla., the third independent store the chain has purchased this year. Terms of the agreement were not released.

"God's plans are the best plans," Chuck Broderick, owner of Living Word, wrote in a recent Facebook post. "I can't wait to see how LifeWay takes the Living Word legacy and builds on it. Great things are ahead. God bless you all for your support and your prayers."

Living Word, which was in business for 13 years, closed July 5—re-opening as a LifeWay store July 15. The chain will hold a grand opening celebration Aug. 24-Sept. 21 for the nearly 11,000-square-foot store with door-prize drawings and giveaways.

"Our goal is to be a one-source location with Christian resources for churches and individuals as we strive to fulfill our vision of providing biblical solutions for life," said LifeWay Christian Stores President Tim Vineyard. "It is a pleasure to be a part of the Sarasota community."

This summer, LifeWay acquired the 5,000-square-foot Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore in Wheaton, Ill., which was founded as a joint venture between Tyndale House Publishers and South Africa-based Christian Publishing.

Earlier this year, the chain also acquired The Salt Shaker Bookstore and Cafe in Wilmington, N.C. The owner, Claire Efird, sold her 14-year-old store in February.

The Sarasota store is one of 10 LifeWay stores in the state, and the chain operates more than 160 locations in 26 states.

• Prev
• Next