Family Christian Stores

Last updated
Simi Valley, CA Store A Family Christian Store- Simi Valley, California 01.jpg
Simi Valley, CA Store

Family Christian (formerly called Zondervan Book Store, Family Book Stores, and Family Christian Stores), headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan is a Christian themed web retailer. [1] Originally a retail chain, by 2008, it was the world's largest Christian focused retailer. [2] In 2013, the chain transitioned to a non-profit before filing for bankruptcy in 2015, closing all stores in 2017 and returning as a web retailer in 2019.

Contents

History

The company was founded in 1931 by two young brothers who were first generation Americans at the start of The Great Depression. From their family farmhouse in Grandville, Michigan. Pat and Bernie Zondervan launched Zondervan Publishing House as a company committed to spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ through publishing and eventually Christian resources and products as well.

Until 1993, the chain was part of Zondervan, the Christian publishing company that owns the copyright to the New International Version of the Bible. [2] The two companies shared the same office complex in Western Michigan. Family Christian Stores increased its size through acquisitions, including Joshua's Christian Stores and Shepherd Shoppe. [3] Christian items and church supplies were also sold over the internet through the company website which transitioned to a new platform in the fall of 2011. [3] Some of the larger stores in the chain hosted large in-store events including concerts for Christian artists, [4] book signings and special events.

Going out of Business Sales in April 2017 A Family Christian Store interior- Simi Valley, California.jpg
Going out of Business Sales in April 2017

In 2012, the management team and a group of Atlanta based Christian businessmen purchased the company from the private equity firm Madison Dearborn Partners which had been the majority owner since 1999. The new owners had the singular idea to turn it into an engine for increased Christian generosity by pledging to its customers that 100% of store profits would go towards Christian organizations and causes, preferably ministries serving widows and orphans. [5] In December of that year, the organization was granted 501 (c)3 status from the Internal Revenue Service, officially transforming it into a nonprofit company.

In February 2015, Family Christian Stores filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy with plans to keep its stores open throughout the procedure, as well as preventing layoffs. [6] However, on February 23, 2017, Family Christian announced the closure of all of its retail stores. The company noted that despite the chain improving the overall experience of its stores by adding new products, sales continued to decline. The company also blamed increased competition, which took the majority of its business away, particularly from Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million. [7]

Family Christian Branding Family Christian Stores storefront.jpg
Family Christian Branding

In 2019, Family Christian Stores reopened two years after closing and became an online store.

Timeline

References

  1. Family Christian Stores, Inc. quick information, Hoovers, Retrieved January 22, 2007
  2. 1 2 Grossman, Cathy Lynn (December 13, 2007). "Faith's purchasing power". USA Today. Retrieved January 22, 2008.
  3. 1 2 Family Christian Stores Company Description, Hoovers, Retrieved January 22, 2007
  4. FFH Draws Crowds Nationwide with Release of New CD, Book Archived 2007-10-31 at the Wayback Machine ; August 21, 2001; christianactivities.com; Retrieved January 22, 2008
  5. 1 2 Archived 2012-11-18 at the Wayback Machine , Family Christian Press Release, Retrieved November 16, 2012
  6. "FAMILY CHRISTIAN STORES RESTRUCTURING TO REINVEST IN STORES, IMPROVE THE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE". Gospel Music Association. February 11, 2015. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
  7. Christie, Jim (February 23, 2017). "Family Christian book chain closing its 240 U.S. stores". Reuters. Retrieved July 10, 2025.
  8. Deiters, Barton; LaFurgey, Joe (23 February 2017). "Family Christian closing all stores including 7 in W. MI". woodtv.com. Retrieved 2019-10-26.
  9. "Family Christian website". Archived from the original on 14 May 2017. Retrieved 13 May 2017.