The Bookseller.com

4th July 2009

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Christian chain closes branches to cut costs

05.02.08 Graeme Neill

The Canterbury and Cambridge branches of St Stephen the Great, the Orthodox Christian bookseller formerly known as SPCK, have closed temporarily.

SSG chairman Mark Brewer told The Bookseller that the company has had to carry out “cost cutting” in order to safeguard the rest of the chain. “As we move into the second month of 2008, some of the SSG bookshops have experienced the same reduced footfall and sales as most every other bookseller and high street retailer,” he said. “In some of our locations for the good of the overall chain, we have had to take the decision of cost-cutting. We have temporarily closed Canterbury and Cambridge and intend to reopen both after re-fitting and re-stocking these shops. We have other locations slated either for reduced operating hours, temporary closure or permanent closure.” Brewer would not comment on suggestions that the Worcester and Bradford branches could be closed next.

Brothers Phil and Mark Brewer took control of the 25 store strong business in 2006 from Christian publishers SPCK. They moved the branches’ identities from what they claimed was “a decidedly liberal agenda” to “more traditional Christian values”. They have faced a series of resignations, most recently by staff at the Newcastle and Truro branches in December.

Bookshops SPCK Christian SSG Brewers