All LifeWay Christian Stores Closing By Year's End

Steve Warren
03-20-2019

Share This article

LifeWay Christian Resources announced Wednesday it will close all of the chain's 170 retail stores by the end of the year and conduct its business entirely online.  
 
LifeWay, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, is shifting its business operations to go entirely digital.  The organization announced on its website it will continue to offer resources through LifeWay.com and the LifeWay Customer Service Center (1-800-458-2772). 
 
LifeWay will also continue to serve customers through its network of church partners who work directly with churches.
 
"LifeWay is fortunate to have a robust publishing, events and church services business. Our retail strategy for the future will be a greater focus on digital channels, which are experiencing strong growth," said acting President and CEO Brad Waggoner. "LifeWay is moving into a new era with a strategic digital focus that will prepare us for the future and allow us to better serve our customers."
 
In January, LifeWay announced it would reduce the number of its retail locations due to declining customer traffic and sales. 
 
"While we had hoped to keep some stores open, current market projections show this is no longer a viable option," Waggoner said.
 
"The decision to close our local stores is a difficult one," Waggoner explained. "LifeWay has developed close connections with the communities where our stores are located, and we have been honored to serve those communities. We will continue serving local congregations as they meet the spiritual needs of their neighbors."
 
The organization has already introduced a number of digital resources available online, including online Bible studies, worship planning, live streaming of events and online training opportunities.
 
In business since 1891, LifeWay offers a comprehensive selection of Bibles, books, Scripture reference tools, Bible studies, children's products, Christian music and movies, gifts and church supplies.

Share This article

About The Author

Steve Warren is a senior multimedia producer for CBN News. Warren has worked in the news departments of television stations and cable networks across the country. In addition, he also worked as a producer-director in television production and on-air promotion. A Civil War historian, he authored the book The Second Battle of Cabin Creek: Brilliant Victory. It was the companion book to the television documentary titled Last Raid at Cabin Creek currently streaming on Amazon Prime. He holds an M.A. in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma and a B.A. in Communication from the University of
More