LifeWay Christian Store will close 170 of its locations due to a decline in sales according to a press release from the company. The chain is known for selling Christian books, audiotracks, gifts and more.
According to LifeWay’s Director of Communications, Carol Pipes, the company will now now look into making a digital transition. The rise of online shopping demands that the chain brings online shopping experiences for people all across the world, Pipes said in the press release.
Resources for worship planning, bible studies, events and more will now be accesible online. For several shoppers in Florence, the news was devastating.
“It’s heartbreaking because we actually have no other Christian book store around that we can go to,” said Ronda Bouchette. Elderly people, who don’t use the internet, will suffer the most, she added.
LifeWay was founded in 1891 as a nonprofit organization. Stores across the country are expected to close at different dates.
Pipes told WBTW the one in Florence will close in June.
