‘Flexibility’ was key as store underwent remodel as part of a church-wide revitalization plan

A recent remodel and renovation has given The Bookstore at Lake Pointe a face-lift. Improvements to the approximately 1,500-square-foot location in Rockwall, Texas, include greater visibility as well as new fixtures, displays and shelving, not to mention the ability to incorporate new features in areas like the children’s section.

“We added a treehouse, which is a lot of fun,” said Bookstore Manager Jill Sledge. “It’s a two-story clubhouse that’s made to look like a tree. Upstairs, we play a kid’s video and we have books available for them to read. We also have several beanbag chairs up there so they can go hang out, read or watch a movie while their parents shop.”

With the entire church undergoing a renovation, the bookstore was a part of the makeover. Located in the church’s south foyer, the family-friendly store was closed after Easter last year for the improvements. In the meantime, it operated out of a temporary space that was a fourth of the store’s original size. The modernized store marked its progress with a Dec. 1, 2012 opening.

Advising other stores that have a remodel on the horizon, Sledge pointed out that adaptability is key. 

“Everything is constantly changing,” she said. “The name of our game last year was flexibility and that has served us well.”

Last renovated in 1996, the store was in need of an update. 

“We were working with older fixtures that were outdated,” Sledge said. “Now, we have new fixtures. The store is nice to shop in and you can see all of the product.”

The improved, shopper-friendly atmosphere has been a good change for the store, which started as a book table and became a store in 1996. 

The primary change is that the store now opens to the main foyer of the church. Before the remodel, access was limited because of a wall that separated the store from the foyer. A staircase that blocked the store from the foyer was moved to the back of the store, providing an increased, expansive view.

“This has opened us up to the high-traffic areas of the church, so that the bookstore can be seen,” Sledge said. 

The store’s product mix includes books, Bibles, Bible covers, DVDs, church supplies and children’s items as well as resources by the church’s pastors, Steve Stroope and Todd Phillips; music by the Lake Pointe worship team; and gifts by Forgiven Ministry (largely jewelry and artwork made by local crafters). The store also offers gently used books. 

All proceeds from the store go back into the ministries and missions of the church. Monies are used is to fund camp scholarships for students, for example. 

“Nannette Preston started Forgiven Ministries about two years ago. The products are donated to the church, sold through the bookstore and 100% of the sales go toward to the missions of the church. The same is true with our used book program,” Sledge noted. “These programs have been well-received by our customers, and we have been able to give back thousands of dollars.”

The Bookstore at Lake Pointe serves a 10,000-member congregation.

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