A local Christian bookstore that has been serving Peoria for over 60 years has announced it will be closing its doors for good. Berean Bookstore in Evergreen Square next to Office Depot and Kroger sent this letter to those on their mailing list last week. It says, in part:

Dear Loyal Customer and Friend,

A HUGE STORE CLOSING SALE will begin immediately to LIQUIDATE EVERY SINGLE ITEM of merchandise in our store to include all Bibles, Books, Church Supplies, Children’s Books & Toys, Spanish Products, All Music, Gifts, Home Decor, Framed Art, Audio & Video, Greeting Cards, Educational Supplies, Demdaco Figurines, Candles, Seasonal Lines, T-Shirts and much more.

We are CLOSING OUR DOORS FOREVER. All of our merchandise, selected store fixtures, furniture, and equipment must be sold . . . .

After 63 years of serving the community this [invitation-only] sale is initiated only after careful consideration. It is our way of thanking you for your business and friendship while at the same time accomplishing our goals.

I remember when Berean was on Knoxville just south of McClure. The place was packed with product — records, tapes, bibles, books, curriculum, and sheet music. There wasn’t very much tacky Christian gift product back then. Since then, Berean has moved to Sheridan Village, and then to its current location in Evergreen Square. And with each successive move, their stock of books and music got smaller, and their selection of tacky Christian gift product got bigger.

You see, gift product has a big markup, whereas books and music don’t. So in order to stay profitable, the “bookstore” became more of a “gift store.” I would have thought they had it made after most other Christian bookstores in the area closed (All That Matters in the Metro Centre, Hidden Treasure in Washington, JC’s in Morton, Mustard Seed in Pekin). But I guess they just couldn’t compete with the huge stock, easy ordering, and quick shipping of internet bookshops such as Christian Book Distributors.

Berean also has bookstores Bloomington, Champaign, and Decatur. No word on whether they are closing as well, or if this only affects Peoria.

Meanwhile, two other area businesses are closing: Tilley’s in the River Station (which lasted just six months) and the Golden Corral in Washington (which left its employees high and dry, closing without notice or explanation).