Saddleback store changes location, product mix

Saddleback Church Bookstore is a store on wheels. Last July, the Orange County, Calif. church led by Rick Warren made some changes to its open-air operation, moving to a patio location outside the doors of the worship center. 

“We have A-frame carts that we use to display products and we have them set up in rows,” said Bookstore Supervisor Kyle Wilke. “On top, we have toppers that say Bibles or Small Group Curriculum, and others. We also have flat-top carts for accessories and jewelry. The whole bookstore we push out. It is all on wheels and mobile.”

The advantages of having the new, long narrow set-up of 75-100 square foot by 25 square foot is that it allows a lot of people to move through the store at the same time. When a service lets out, customers can get in and out quickly, store traffic flows easily and people don’t feel claustrophobic. However, the only overhead covering is an awning, which can be a downside when it rains. Although, it’s sunny 99% of the time, the church is exploring permanent options such as an enclosure.

The old store space is now being used as a family pavilion. Previously, the approximate 100-by-100-square-foot store was outside, but under a roof.

“The reason for the move was we found out that a lot of families were sitting outside during the service,” Wilke said. “This reflects on a new parenting trend, with parents not wanting to drop off their kids at the children’s ministry, which is a bummer, because we have an outstanding children’s ministry. But, instead of having them sit out in the middle of nowhere, we created a family pavilion with couches, televisions and a play area so parents can watch the service, while they hang out with their children. There are volunteers stationed there who are knowledgeable about the different children’s ministries, and they can direct families to the appropriate places.”

The move meant that store inventory had to be streamlined. The store now rarely stocks new release books, unless the church hosts a guest speaker who is an author. Saddleback’s store funds a food pantry and benevolence fund at the church, and they haven’t suffered a loss as a result of the changes.

“We had to refocus,” Wilke said. “To give you an idea with the A-frames, we downsized to about half. I have nine or 10 carts now, and I used to have 20. We eliminated a lot of material, especially books, with the move, but our sales haven’t changed that much.”