Belfast's Oldest Christian Bookshop, Familybooks, has become part of one of the largest Christian book retail chains in the UK with its transfer to the Wesley Owen Retail Group.
Wesley Owen's parent company, Send The Light Ltd agreed, following an invitation from the directors of Familybooks to purchase the business interest of the company from the Presbyterian Church.
The completion date is planned for 1 May 2003 and staff will transfer with the business which will continue to trade under the Familybooks name from its present location in the Spires shopping mall in Belfast.
"We are delighted that we now have the opportunity to bring our own style of retailing to Northern Ireland," commented Malcolm Stockdale, Managing Director of the Wesley Owen Retail Group who took over the Church of Scotland bookshop chain in 1993 and now run 39 shops in England and Scotland with an annual turnover in excess of £16m. "We feel honoured to be able to carry on the tradition of Christian retailing developed over a number of years by Familybooks The retail teams are looking forward to the challenge of expanding our customer base through our constantly changing promotional programme and great value offers."
Familybooks, voted UK Christian Bookshop of the Year in 1996, began trading in 1862 and was established by the Presbyterian Church as its official bookshop. Through the years it has traded under various names and 14 years ago its running was put under the control of a Board of Directors who give of their time and expertise voluntarily.
Familybooks Board chairman Brian Ferguson commented, "The directors wish to thank the staff and customers for their support over the years. The Directors believe this is the right time to hand the business over to the Wesley Owen Group who, with their extensive expertise and experience in the retailing of Christian literature, will be able to develop the existing business. I trust the new owners will be successful in their mission to advance the Christian Faith through this retail outlet."
Under the guidance of its directors and the enthusiasm of its staff Familybooks has expanded considerably since moving into the Spires in 1992 and provides from stock a wide range of books for theology students, youth leaders and Sunday School teachers in addition to its large stock of some 12,000 titles for more general readers. It also has a large section devoted to music and video material and its newest line is computer software for bible reading and study.
By far Familybooks largest section is that devoted to children's books. It recently doubled its floor space to provide a entirely new section devoted to young readers and the space and quality of display has made this a hit with parents and children alike.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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