By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
A DANDENONG shop that has been selling Christian books since 1977 has closed its doors for the last time.
Glenys, from Word in Langhorne Street, said the convenience of online shopping had forced the bricks and mortar store onto the web.
“Everything’s changed in the world. Right across the board it seems to be the world trend and the trend most customers prefer, but our customers don’t want to, they prefer coming in,” she said.
“People are terribly upset and sad. The shop has been in Dandenong for 38 years.”
Glenys said the store’s inspirational Christian-based books, CDs, DVDs, giftware, Bibles and books to help understand different faiths was the best literature in Dandenong.
“All our books have beautiful messages,” she said.
“This place is like a home for people, I treat them as if I was home and welcome them.
“I’ve bought some seats so there’s somewhere for them to sit and sometimes they need a cuppa and if they’re not feeling well I’ll get them a glass of water.
“We love our customers, we really care about them,” Glenys said.
Glenys said the store has had many success stories since it originally opened in Mason Street, Dandenong.
“Often we have people come in and speak about their personal and private stories and I’m privileged to hear them and be a part of their confidence – I’m going to miss my beautiful customers,” she said.
Three part time workers have lost their job but full-timer Glenys said she is not worried about the future with the closure of the shop on Saturday 30 May.
“I’ll look for another job but the difference is when you know God is in control of your life, you know you haven’t been abandoned and that God is going to lead you onto another chapter.
“We’ve always called it God’s shop, I care take and I’ve got a manger but it’s God’s shop and it wouldn’t have gone unless it was right.”
Glenys said the bookshop has always had an online presence but customers will no longer get personalised assistance.
“It’s just pick a book, press a button and put it in the basket.
“We sort of know the stock and can guide customers in specific situations to the appropriate material and they won’t have that online.”
