The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Family owns Christian bookstore
A Lorain father and son are serving the local community by operating a Christian bookstore, El Altisimo Bookstore, 4370 Oberlin Ave., Suite F, in Lorain that features literature for both English and Spanish speakers.
“The whole idea is based on a few things, and one of those is, I have always wanted a business of my own,” said Juan Rivera Jr., 29, owner of the store, who also works as an accountant for Dealer Tire in Cleveland during the week. “We started May 4, of this year, and it was great to see it actually happening.
“It’s also something I wanted to do because there was a void of Christian bookstores ever since the one in Elyria (next to the Marc’s at 435 Midway Blvd.) went out of business. It was a situation where the nearest one is in Cleveland, so that was the main force behind the business.”
Rivera said a physical location for buying books still is important.
“One of the main reasons some of these businesses go out of business is the ease of buying online,” he said. “I understand that, but I also know some people still like to go to a bookstore and ask questions about what they are buying ... and it’s cheaper because you don’t have to worry about shipping costs.
“I wanted to provide that place for people of faith.”
Rivera said the biggest draw for his bookstore is the Spanish-language materials.
“We have a variety of Christian books and Bibles for Spanish speakers,” he said. “I feel like there isn’t a great representation of Hispanic-owned businesses in the community, and few businesses are tailored for those who don’t speak English; that’s one of the reasons why I started the store.”
Rivera said the store has really good variety.
“We have Bibles, Christian books, devotionals and other items for both English and Spanish speakers,” he said. “We also have other items like music, watches and T-Shirts.
“We have plenty of different items. I encourage folks to stop by.”
Juan Rivera Sr., 56, who helps his son operate the store during weekdays, said the store is not something that was started to get rich.
“Everything is very affordable,” the elder Rivera said. “The items are all competitive with what is online.
“The main goal is to make the books available for people. We are open from 12 (noon) to 5 (p.m.) Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.”
The store is located on the west side of the 4370 Oberlin Ave. building.
The parking lot is accessible for people coming from Oberlin Avenue, by making the first right after turning onto 44th Street.