Parable Christian Stores to Launch Online Bookstore

Posted on July 13, 1998

Parable Christian Stores, the Christian industry's largest association of independent retailers, announced it will launch an E-Commerce website, www.parable.com, on Monday, August 10. The site will sell Christian books and music direct to consumers, as well as support marketing and sales efforts for the 330 local independent Christian bookstores nationwide who are part of a marketing association known as The Parable Group. Steve Potratz, President and CEO of The Parable Group, made the announcement at the start of the annual Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) International Convention in Dallas.

"Parable Christian Stores have always been innovators in Christian retailing. Our local member stores have told us that a top priority for them is to stay on the cutting edge of technology -- that edge includes E-Commerce," Potratz said. "In order to be the best, to cut above the clutter, and to stay ahead of the crowd, we need to open every single door possible to allow our customers to shop with us. We believe www.parable.com opens those doors."

www.parable.com will offer on-line shopping, product information, contests, personalized shopping reminders, store location information, and links to other Christian and family-values websites. Through it, consumers will be able to select and purchase 40,000-60,000 Christian titles and Christian music -- and eventually, buy any item they could find in a traditional retail store.