After 20 years in business, Kregel Parable Christian Stores has announced that it is closing its East Beltline Avenue store in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The store began a liquidation sale on Jan. 19 and hopes to close the doors by Feb. 28.

Keeping the store open is “no longer the right thing for us to do,” owners Jim and Kathie Kregel and Jerry Kregel penned in an open letter to the general public. The Kregels instead will focus their time, energy and funds on its downtown Grandville Kregel Parable Store and its P. Graham Dunn Art, Home Décor and Personalized Gifts Store, as well as its Ministry Resources Division. The company will also continue to supply churches with a wide range of curriculum, VBS and church supplies from its office/warehouse in northeast Grand Rapids. Orders will still be available by means of national shipping services or for pickup at the downtown Grandville, Michigan, store.

“While closing a store location is not easy, we believe it is important to recognize when that time has come,” the Kregels said. “When a business closes, people often view the business as having failed. We believe, in this case, nothing could be further from the truth. For 20 years, we have run an honest business, created local jobs, given back to the community in countless ways and sold products we are proud of. To us, it seems like success.”

As part of the transition, the Kregels have “reluctantly released” Bob Gillett, manager of Kregel Ministry Resources, to pursue other opportunities. Gillett has been a loyal employee for 16 years.

The Kregels expressed their gratitude to their East Beltline patrons.

“The highlight of our retail ministry has been connecting with so many loyal, receptive customers,” the Kregels said in their letter. “The friends we have made over the years at the East Beltline store truly have been a blessing. We are deeply indebted for the support and the wonderful experience it has provided for our family, our staff and our community.”

Customers will enjoy initial storewide savings of 20% on all regular retail prices while numerous sections will immediately feature savings of up to 80%. Storewide discounts will increase significantly during the duration of the sale as inventory is depleted.

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