As many of you already know, I am a non-believer. I live in a very conservatively Christian area in the Bible Belt and am considering opening a Christian book and accessories store. Mind you, I am only considering this from a business and financial perspective.

My question is, as a non-Christian, would it be wrong of me to exploit the religious venue? I would be providing goods and services to the area strictly as a business venture, so should my personal beliefs (or lack thereof) be an issue when it comes to business? Business is business, right?

I have yet to see a christian supply store last more then a year. =\

well, you live in seattle. texas is almost bible belt.

I also lived in NY, Bahsten.. er Boston, and spent a good deal of time in the bible belt. What's your point?

Hmm, well the small East Texas town where the rest of my immediate family lives has a church on every corner, so maybe that would be a good location.

Also, I am considering moving to the Jacksonville, Florida area next month. This might be a great location as well.

Well.. if you get the store off the ground... I wish you luck

Thanks Like I always say, if you can't beat 'em, exploit 'em!

*smirks* feel like hireing a pagan to work for ya? *snickers*

I say milk the evil Christians!!!

just make sure you where a gigantic cross (protestant, no dead body). Keep in mind, I was raised without religion, and my idea of xianity was from reading the nt. I asked them if they sold incense, and they practically had me exorcised. "Burn incense unto the Lord" i guess only catholics and jews read that passage! never been in one yet, but they are big business in florida. Milk'em dry.

actually i would like to see a lot more new age stores (snicker snicker-occult is passe).

That's a nice way of looking at it, Kratos. The Bible is afterall, a bestseller.

Hmm that's a thought. I'll see what I can dig up.

As far as incense goes, I could carry that as well for any catholics that might want some.

If you have some interest and know-how in running a business and like books, go for it!. I don't know if I could do it, but then again, according to Gordon Gekko- "greed is good."

Lot up here... they do very well. there was only one that kinda went under but that was because the owners lived in Port Angeles and didn't like making trips to the other two stores that were a day or two away and after 9/11 people were stupid enough to believe those emails about terrorists attacking malls next. So the one story that was near me suffered with the rest of the stores in the mall.

So the owners closed the two down and kept the one they had in Port Angeles opened.

Shame really... But there ate atleast two *very* well know and entrenched pagan supply stores in Seattle.. they're like the Hallmark for area pagans.

You are asking if you shalt be judged and sent straight to hell!!

Or else have the tables upturned and your cash-register defiled!!

LOL, don't be silly Rainbow...We all know there's no such thing as god.

LMAO

I dont see the harm in it- but theres always the internet baaybaay! The internet is your online library.

Thats a good idea too. I thought about a mall shop, but I could also try that in corroberation. Many Christians are loaded, especially catholics (trust me, I'm a former catholic), so I would like to gain a niche in their market.

Part of the services of a bookstore, especially small ones with a very specific target markets (such as Christian bookstores) is to help customers!

If I were to go up to you with two books and say "I'm looking at doing a set of Bible studies for my youth group, which of these would you suggest", your answer would be..............

I guess it'll never affect me personally unless I move to the U.S, so feel free to do it if you like. Just don't expect regular customers if they find out you are not Christian.

Regards, PA

"I have just gotten a shipment of The Di Vinci Code! How many would you like?"

*cackles*

WHile you're at it, I'm looking for something to calm the more.... shall we say boisterous members of our group down. Any suggestions? Do you deal in herbs and stuff? Medicinal purposes only, mind!

Burn lavender incense X)

nag champa.

That too

I'm just curious what small E. Texas town you are from *pm me if you want* as I too grew up in a small E. Texas town.

And why are you contemplating moving to Florida? Just curious.

Because florida is like hawaii.. only attached to the states XD

*still wants to move to Tampa to be with friends*

Has Kratos said, milk them dry to the bone. And for recomendations...you can always improvise

Christian book stores are awesome. Do it.

But the thing is what if a Christian asks you for help?

What will you do? How will you advise them which book is right for the moment?

I say you should sell condoms right next to bibles. You might get on TV. =)

If you do you better see me.

You sexy cat you!

I say go for it. In Florida the Pagan shops do crappy. We have one in Ft Myers that has been around for a while the rest die in a year. The Christian shops seem to stay. As far as answering questions that comes down to knowing your stock and hiring knowledgeable employees. You don't have to be a Christian to understand the religion.
I have often thought about a multiple religion store with sections for Christians, Buddhist, Pagans, New Age, Santeria, Islamic, and Native American. One stop religious Maga-Mart. I could have signs for all the different sections with pictures; for Christions, for Pagans, for New Age, for Buddhist, for Islamic, for Santeria.

Darkwind my friend goes to Alisen Fields in Sarasota. It is a book store, and has essential oils and stuff. really neat store. > for the new age religions and stuff.

The money is all the same color!


Bet it will seem strange

i have an idea... open an anti-christian christian book store....
a parody of christian book stores....
you could have carlin at the grand opening...
i would fly to texas or florida to see that...
but make sure you have good security...

The Christian Bookstores here and in NC (where I use to live) have been open for years and I don't see a sign of them closing any time soon.

I'd do eeny meeny minny moe and pick one to suggest.


Athens, TX, moving to Florida to be with a close friend and because of a great job offer/business opportunity.


I'd pick one at random and BS my way through the suggestion.


Great idea.


That's a grand idea!

Right after I visit Dark... XD

DANG DARK SNEAKING IN AND POSTING WHEN I WAS WORRYING ABOUT YOU!! *shakes fist*

I'm against it, then again I'm against promoting religion in any form. <<;

you could sell the origin of species, but with a bible cover....


Edit: I can't spell....

FINALLY! A book of truth