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.
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.