Family Christian Bookstore Chain Shutting Down After 85 Years

Family Christian, with 240 stores in 36 states, announced Thursday it is closing after 85 years.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/money...mily-christian-plans-after-85-years/98326140/

 

Interesting history of Zondervan/Family Bookstores:

http://www.newnetherlandinstitute.org/history-and-heritage/dutch_americans/peter-john-pat-zondervan/

"Pat Zondervan, was the major co-founder of Zondervan Corporation, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, one of the nation’s largest publishers of religious books, including bibles. The other co-founder of Zondervan Corporation was Bernard Zondervan, Pat’s brother. Pat Zondervan was the older brother, and it was probably his idea, to go into the religious book business. Pat went to work for his uncle, William B. Eerdmans, in 1924, when he was only 15 years old. Willliam B. Eerdmans was another religious book seller and publisher, also of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pat worked for his uncle for 7 years, and then approached his uncle about obtaining a share of the business. That request apparently took his uncle by surprise, clearly annoyed him, and he fired Pat on the spot. Eerdman clearly did not want to share his business with his ambitious and upstart nephew. Pat Zondervan then talked his brother Bernard [Bernie] into going into the religious book selling business..."