Lifeway Christian Stores Closing & Focusing On Digital Sales

Lifeway Christian Resources announced Wednesday it’s closing all 170 of its brick & mortar stores this year.

The publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, will shift its resources online, according to the announcement.

The organization will continue to offer a broad selection of resources through LifeWay.com and the LifeWay Customer Service Center (1-800-458-2772). The company will also continue to serve customers through its network of church partners who work directly with churches.

Lifeway Christian Stores Closing & Focusing On Digital Sales

“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 the Christian store 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 said. “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 timing of store closings will vary depending on local circumstances. The company expects all brick-and-mortar stores to close by the end of the year.