Christian Retail Stores Shelve Old Ideas

Competition Next Door and Online Forces Industry to Shake Up Product Line Religion News Service Saturday, July 19, 2008; Page B09 At Skia, a new Christian bookstore in Bentonville, Ark., there are comfortable chairs, racks of apparel, a coffee and smoothie bar, and a full corner of the store dedicated to building, of all things, skateboards. "It takes a little while to put together a skateboard, maybe 15 minutes or so," said Skia's co-owner, Bill Beyer. "It gives us an opportunity to talk with the kids and really develop relationships with the kids while we're doing that." Meeting customers where they are has become the mantra of the Christian retail industry as its stores face stiff competition from big-box chains and online retailers. With more stores closing than opening each year, industry layoffs and a key publisher... [read full story]