Good News Book Store planning to close if buyer not found
COSHOCTON – Jill Wright is going to miss the Good News Book Store and the people who work there.
“I use to work at Home Loan and I’d stop here all the time,” she said. “I got to be friends with them over the years and I’m going to miss them.”
Wright also is going to miss the Christian book store’s uplifting merchandise.
“I’ve bought books and music here and loved their cards,” she said.
There is no closing date set for the store as the family who owns it is still hoping someone might buy the business.
“Robin Coffman was the owner,” said Kathy McKee, the store’s general manager. “This was his dream and vision, but he passed away in December. The family would love to see the store stay open. They just don’t want to be the owners.”
The store is located at 313 Main Street across from the court house and is currently having a storewide sale.
“We are trying to sell the inventory off as we can,” McKee said. “Right now everything is 30 percent off, but that could change.”
The Good News Book Store has been in business for 37 years and McKee has worked there for about half her life.
“I have so many memories of working here,” she said. “I’ll miss the retail sales, but a big part of our business also was the people we prayed with. I can’t even being to tell you the number of people who over the years have come to the counter and poured their hearts out to us. They knew this was a safe place and that we’d pray with them, encourage them and hopefully offer them a product that was helpful.”
McKee also worked with Irene Krall, who managed the store for 30 years and wanted her to mention how much the customers meant to the business.
“We are so grateful and appreciative of our loyal customers,” McKee said. “We’ve watched families grow up here. People were more than just a face. We knew them and had a connection.”
Anyone who might be interested in purchasing the business is welcome to stop by the store and chat with McKee.
“We will put them in contact with the Coffman family,” she said. “It’s their hearts desire to sell the business and see it stay open.”
The Good News Book Store is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Anyone with questions also can call the store at 622-1651.
“We want to help our customers make the transition and get the products they need,” McKee said. “A lot of churches were loyal about getting their supplies here so we want to connect them with someone else.”
josie@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
Category: Business
