Grand Rapids, MI—Baker Book House, a premiere independent Christian bookstore in West Michigan, offers a counterpoint to the recent announcement that LifeWay Christian Resources is closing all 170 of its bricks-and-mortar stores. Response to the closings has reverberated with predictions that all Christian bookstores are doomed to close.
Baker Book House, however, has seen sales increases for the last 24 out of 26 months, said manager Sue Smith.
“We saw a 35% percent gross sales increase since 2017,” said Smith. “For the fiscal year ending in April, the bookstore will achieve its highest sales revenue in 38 years of business on East Paris location.”
She attributes a wide selection of products based on customer feedback, investment in staff training and customer service, and investment in communal spaces throughout the store.
“We have become a destination store because we’ve put an emphasis on creating an atmosphere and product selection that customers really want,” said Smith. “We’re embracing technology to meet customer needs, but also retaining that indie bookstore feel.”
Baker Publishing Group, which owns Baker Book House, gives the store autonomy and the ability to adjust to customer needs quickly.
“We invest in our bookstore to fully serve this community,” said President/CEO Dwight Baker. “We recognize the unique impact of a Christian bookstore on the lives of believers.”
Baker Book House will expand its reach with a new website offering increased online selection, original content such as author interviews and blogs, and special pricing via promotions.
“Baker Book House has weathered the storm of bookstore closings through forward thinking, customer-centric service, and nimble decision-making,” said Smith. “Indie bookstores have this ability and those that do so can draw customers and keep their doors open.”
For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Director of Marketing, Becca Niswonger at becca.niswonger@bakerbookhouse.com or 616-957-3110.
About Baker Book House
Baker Book House was founded in 1939, when Herman Baker started the store with 500 books from his personal library. Baker is known world-wide for a deep selection of Christian titles, including new, used, and bargain books. Visit www.bakerbookhouse.com for more information.
Contact: Becca Niswonger, Director of Marketing,
616-957-3110, becca.niswonger@bakerbookhouse.com
