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TOGETHER MAY – JUNE 2022
Still Going Strong After
RETAILER FOCUS Almost Fifty Years

Robin Hate shares the story of Heath Christian Bookshop, Cardiff.

Greetings from the Heath Christian Bookshop in
Cardiff. We opened in 1975 on Whitchurch Road
in Cardiff, the idea of a group of members from
the Heath Evangelical Church, which is on the
same road. Currently at our fourth premises on
that street, we have moved ever nearer the church
each time. In 2011 we relocated next door!
The church, both individual members and as an
institution, have faithfully supported us through
the years and we have been able to provide the
literature needs for Sunday schools, kids’ camps
and evangelistic outreach missions. They run a
coffee shop from the same building that we are
based in, and both businesses have benefited
from this arrangement with mutual events and Holly, Staff Member Robin, Staff Member
promotions (it’s also been very handy for lunch).
The goal set by our founders in 1975 is still came with Covid were a real test of faith. As a
The shop is staffed by a loyal team of volunteers the same for us today: the promotion of the small operation relying mainly on customers
made up of members from Heath and other glorious truth of the gospel, primarily through visiting our ‘bricks-and-mortar’ premises, and
churches in Cardiff, plus one very grateful making God’s Word available, but also the not having a shopping-enabled website, 2020
manager. Although this team underwent stocking of books to teach and encourage God’s particularly was a real challenge, with only postal
changes due to the pandemic, with some of the people. One member of the team, Holly, has a and hand-delivered items able to be sold.
older members retiring during lockdown and real passion for children’s and young peoples’
new folk being recruited in 2021, the team’s literature and has been given a burden for But thanks be to our God; He has preserved
dedication to the shop and willingness to give of getting truth-filled books into their hands. us and provided for us through it all. We’ve
their time has been a real testimony to their love been able to stay trading and are now, at last,
for their Saviour. Like all businesses, we’ve had our ups and starting to see an upturn in footfall and sales. It’s
downs over the years. The last decade has seen definitely going to be more of a marathon than
When we moved to our premises next door to the Christian book trade changing rapidly (along a sprint, but the Lord has answered prayer and
the church, the staff from both businesses met with much of the high street) as it has faced proved His faithfulness over many years now,
for prayer and were led to the following passage the challenges of adapting to the competition so we know we can trust Him for the future. As
which has proved to be a real ‘light to our feet’:
from retailers in the digital marketplace and Daniel’s friends said to King Nebuchadnezzar, ‘...
‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean the rise of e-books, alongside major changes our God whom we serve is able to deliver us...’
not on your own understanding; in all your ways in supply lines with established names going In the near future, we are planning to launch
acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your under and the number of sales reps declining. our new e-commerce website (better late than
paths.’ Proverbs 3:5-6. But the dramatic effects of the lockdowns that
never!) and are also eager to host author events
in person again. Online meetings have been
useful, but you can’t beat the personal touch.
God willing, we’re looking forward to celebrating
fifty years of business in 2025.

‘Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly
abundantly above all that we ask or think,
according to the power that works in us, to
Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus
throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.’
Ephesians 3:21.

Heath Christian Bookshop, Cardiff
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