Above is a photograph of a small bookstore in London. It's not exactly what I'm picturing, but it'll do for the purpose of this post. I would really enjoy owning a bookstore. However, unlike many bookstores, particularly those that specialize in Christian literature of all kinds, my policies would be considerably different.
To start with, there would be no returns on books, especially because the purchaser "didn't like it". Perhaps you've seen those signs in stores where fragile items were on display: "You break it, you buy it". Well, in my bookstore: You buy it, you own it. It would be posted, visible, and the cashiers would remind customers of the fact that there are no returns, all sales are final.
My store would primarily be an outlet for Christian Fiction, but I would have one section for general market thrillers/mysteries/suspense which would also specify and give fair warning that there would no doubt be profanity between the covers of those novels, again emphasizing no returns.
Thirdly, there would be little if any paraphernalia besides books. No jewelry, no nick-nacks, maybe a few empty crosses - hopefully crafted by a local talent, and no large paintings.
There would be a few versions of Bibles and study Bibles but not all "translations". Very few if any "self-help" books and no Bible Study books.
I would hope to have warehouse space in order to have the purchasing power to offer lower retail prices.
Indie authors would be welcome for book signings/appearances with their novels fitting right in - alphabetically of course - at their genre-designated sections.
I might have a coffee/tea/etc. bar.
I would probably keep the name as simple as the inventory. Feel free to submit your ideas for names. Right now I'm thinking I'd call it "The Bookstore".
Yeah, I'd enjoy that.
Father, thank you for the wonder of all that you've given us. Thank you for your wonderful authors who give you the recognition for their work. May each one with the talent to write know or learn from whom their abilities come. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.