May 24, 2009

Locally Owned: Christian book, gift store enjoys growthBy Deb CleworthWausauDailyHerald.com

Lighthouse Books & Gifts in Wisconsin Rapids has done something a lot of stores of its genre haven’t been able to do: Stay in business.

For the last 19 years, the store, which carries Christian books, gifts and stamping and scrapbooking supplies, has not only managed to stay afloat in the recently struggling economy, but expand.

The business started in the ShopKo Mall, and moved to its Eighth Street South location about 31/2 years ago. It now boasts about 5,500 square feet, with another 2,500 square feet available in an adjacent room for workshops and storage.

“We filled this place up pretty quickly,” said Nancy Clussman, a store employee of more than 15 years.

It was a move appreciated by loyal customers such as Lisa Engle of Friendship. As a worship leader at Assembly of God, Adams, she appreciates the selection of Christian music.

“I started shopping here when they were at the ShopKo Mall,” Engle, 39, said. “It was getting hard to go through (merchandise) at that store.

“So this was nice.”

Lynn Gallipeau, 62, Arkdale, said she comes into the store as often as she can for Christian-oriented products.

“Usually, I can always find it here,” she said.

Engle, who also stamps and makes her own cards, likes the vast selection of stamping and scrapbooking supplies.

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