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Our Story
Berean Christian Stores is a regional chain of Christian bookstores based in Cincinnati, OH. Our stores, located primarily in the mid-west region and California/Arizona in the west, offer a large assortment of Biblically-based products in an easy-to-shop environment. Our stores feature Christian books, Bibles, music, gifts, home décor, jewelry, cards, apparel, church supplies and curriculum. And what we don’t have in our stores or online, we can Special Order to meet the Christian resource needs of our customers.
Importantly, Berean Christian Stores works to ensure that the products in our stores are correct on the person and work of Jesus Christ. And we're working to provide a shopping experience that is focused on great service, a broad product assortment and fair prices with special values offered everyday. Berean stores offer products to meet the needs of consumers and churches alike, and we take seriously the commitment to serve all customers effectively.
With more than 70 years of experience serving Christian customers and churches, our goal is to continue to serve you, and provide quality products to our customers throughout the country.
The history of the chain dates to 1934, with the opening of the first store, called Berean Book Room. In Biblical times, the members of the church at Berea were recognized by the Apostle Paul for their careful study and analysis of the Scriptures. This New Testament reference suggests that Berea was a center of learning and information for people interested in growing and maturing as Christian believers.
Berean Christian Stores was purchased from the founding owners in the 1960’s by Standex International, which operated the division through 2006. Subsequent to being divested by Standex, the company was acquired by members of management and a Boston, MA-based private equity firm, JMH Capital, in August of 2006. Then, in August of 2008, Berean was purchased by a private entity.
Under this new leadership, Berean has benefited from a renewed optimism for growth and ambition for serving an even broader community of consumers in the future. Each store is distinctive in the marketplace for striving to make a difference in the community in which it has a presence. Sound, faith-based beliefs carry through into every aspect of the business. Our Store Associates deem their job a significant opportunity to be able to serve God in helping people nurture their existing faith as well as kindling the passion in those who are just beginning a spiritual relationship.
Berean Christian Stores strives today to continue to be centers of learning across the nation. Our business is to provide individual Christians, churches, schools, and other Christian agencies with the Biblically-based and inspirational resources they need to do their work, aid their spiritual growth, stretch their thinking, and anchor their faith. Our mission is to serve the Lord by serving our customer and giving back to the communities in which God has placed us. We want to exemplify Christian principles in providing Christian and inspirational products and services in an atmosphere of integrity, innovation and excellence.