Resilient book seller explores cyber-market
WINNIPEG, MB—Not only is Leland Morris resilient, he is sensitive to the signs of the times. A month after the closing of The Light Christian Store on Pembina Highway, Morris is tapping into the discount Christian books market through an online bookstore—CheaperBooks.ca—and a once-a-month church-sponsored book sale.
"The new venture came about as a result of some brainstorming with our friends at Books 4 Eternity [in Niverville], says Morris. "We began to focus on discount books. We knew there would be a large void when The Light Christian Store closed and decided to work together to make these once-a-month sales work."
Through relationships built with local churches, Morris approaches pastors to sponsor his monthly community-based book sales. In return, Morris donates books to church libraries. Judging by the stream of non-stop bargain-hunters, the inaugural book sale on October 1 and 2 at Bethel Community Church in Southdale was a success.
Upcoming community-based book sales are planned for November 12 and 13 at Waverley Fellowship Baptist Church, November 26 and 27 at Immanuel Pentecostal Church and December 3, 4 and 5 at Beausejour Community Church.
Morris observes that the community-based, church-sponsored book sale has been doing well. Not only did the event raise visibility of the church venue, it just might turn out to be an effective tool for connecting church and community.
"People were enquiring about the church, what it offers, such as Alpha. A bargain-hunter at the book sale returned to the Sunday service at Bethel," says Morris.
A full line of Christian books and products, including special orders, are available for purchase online. Free local delivery is offered for a purchase of more than $35.
Called to use a Christian store as "an urban mission field," the Morrises and their three young children left successful jobs and an "awesome church family," sold their home in Chilliwack, B.C. and moved to Winnipeg a few short years ago to invest all they had in opening The Light Christian Store.
For the first year and a half, The Light enjoyed success with its innovative ideas, such as hosting "Pastors Appreciation Breakfasts," "Library Nights," special sales, book signings and in-store concerts. They brought the highly-acclaimed Christian movie "Fireproof" to cinemas in Winnipeg. The show was so popular that Morris arranged for more showings around town.
But the past year has been heartbreaking for the Morrises. The Light experienced rapidly declining sales, coupled with an astronomical increase in storefront rental. After fighting to keep the enterprise afloat for more than a year, the The Light closed its doors on August 28.
Morris is cautious, but optimistic about his new venture. "We have no grand illusions that cheaperbooks.ca will be the next big thing, but we hope to continue to provide a great product at an extremely competitive price."
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