In the new location, the store, already cited by Christian Retail Magazine as the largest Christian book store in sales, is now the largest in physical size as well
After 39 years at its crowded 11,000 square-foot building in Takoma Park, Maryland, the Potomac Adventist Book and Health Food Store will celebrate the grand opening of its new facility on April 9.
In the new location, the store, already cited by Christian Retail Magazine as the largest Christian book store in sales, is now the largest in physical size as well.
The 96-year-old store, with a staff of 50 who speak seven languages, has accounts with churches from 23 different denominations, and is completely self-sustaining.
“We’re the community’s store for better living and we aim to feed the mind, body, and spirit,” says general manager Clyde Kinder, of the non-profit retailer that’s a nationally known supplier of religious materials, inspirational literature, and health food products. Even though the Seventh-day Adventist Church operates 52 such stores in North America, orders come to this one from around the country, even from the White House.
Kinder expects sales in 2000 to top $10 million due to regularly discounted prices and the vast inventory that allows for one-stop shopping to meet patrons’ church and home needs.
The 40,000 square-foot building, located at Orchard Center Mall in Silver Spring, Maryland, will house 25,000 books, magazines, religious music cassettes and CDs, food, and other health-related products. The new space has a café and water fountain, a 160-seat auditorium, a reading area equipped with a fireplace and baby grand piano, a Christian greeting card and gift section, and a children’s department.
