Family Christian stores plan for liquidation

Family Christian, known as the “world’s largest retailer of Christian-themed merchandise,” will close its doors after 85 years in business.

The not for profit business will shutter its 240 retail locations in 36 states, including the Mentor location, 7633 Mentor Ave.

Family Christian employs more than 3,000 people nationwide.

A timetable of the liquidation has not been determined.

Changing consumer behavior and declining sales led to the company’s decision, according to a media release from Family Christian.

In 2015, Family Christian shed about $127 million worth of debt to its suppliers, creditors and consignment vendors when it went through Chapter 11 bankruptcy and was sold for about $55 million, according to a recent article on mlive.com.

“We had two very difficult years post-bankruptcy,” Family Christian President Chuck Bengochea said in the media release.

“Despite improvements in product assortment and the store experience, sales continued to decline. In addition, we were not able to get the pricing and terms we needed from our vendors to successfully compete in the market,” the release stated.

“We have prayerfully looked at all possible options, trusting God’s plan for our organization and the difficult decision to liquidate is our only recourse.”

In 1931, brothers Bernie and Pat Zondervan began a publishing enterprise at their family’s farmhouse in Grandville, Mich.

The company expanded, opening stores in the Midwest.

In 1971, the company changed its name from Zondervan to Family Bookstores and continued to open stores across the nation.

And in 1997, Family Bookstores changes its name to Family Christian Stores to better reflect the variety of Christian lifestyle products it sells.

“At its core, Family Christian is an organization with a heart for service,” Steve Biondo, senior vice president of Human Resources and Organization Development said in a statement. “We are grateful for all of the millions of lives that have been impacted thanks to our guests and employees heart for bringing the light of Jesus to the darkest corners of our world.

“Through their efforts, there is no question we have transformed lives now and for eternity.”

Bengochea said Family Christian has left a powerful legacy of helping people find, grow, share and celebrate their faith in Jesus Christ.

“Today, and always, we are grateful to God for the privilege of serving him and look forward to finishing strong for his name’s sake,” he said.