The Church and Deseret Book Co., closely aligned in mission and history, are now even closer in their marketing, thanks to a move announced Jan. 24.
The Distribution Services Division of the Church announced that it is expanding an arrangement with Deseret Book Co. to provide Church-produced products and materials.
In the fall of 2009, six Deseret Book stores were redesigned to include the sale of Church-produced materials and products. Over the next three years these materials will be available at additional Deseret Book store locations. Under the agreement, Deseret Book serves as an agent for Distribution Services. Deseret Book will make Church materials and products available for sale according to prices and policies established by the Church. Customer shopping convenience and a more efficient use of Church resources are major reasons cited by the Church and Deseret Book for the expanding relationship, according to a news release announcing the consolidation. Store customers will now be able to obtain Church and Deseret Book materials in a single shopping experience from one location. The consolidation will also eliminate unneeded Distribution Services stores and optimize supply lines for both organizations.
"The initial arrangement with Deseret Book has gone smoothly and has proven to be a benefit for everyone involved," said Evan Larsen, director of the Church's Distribution Services Division.
"When the opportunity came to expand our relationship with Distribution Services, we felt it would prove to be a significant benefit for our customers," said Sheri Dew, president and CEO of Deseret Book Co. "We consider it a privilege to be involved in making these products more easily accessible to more individuals."
Currently, Church materials and products are being sold in Deseret Book locations in Portland, Ore.; Idaho Falls, Idaho; Las Vegas, Nev.; St. George and Ogden, Utah, and in the new flagship Deseret Book store in downtown Salt Lake City across from Temple Square.
Distribution Services stores near to Deseret Book stores will be closed and consolidated with Deseret Book. During 2011, about a dozen stores will be consolidated, with additional locations in following years. Consolidations will begin with closure of Distribution Services stores in Logan, Midvale, Orem and Spanish Fork in Utah, and in Pocatello, Idaho. Others will follow later in the year. Nearby Deseret Book stores will be renovated to accommodate the additional Church products and materials, including temple clothing. As is now the practice in Distribution Services stores, temple recommends will be required for purchasing sacred clothing at Deseret Book stores.
Employees in the Distribution Services stores to be closed will be offered a voluntary severance package or assigned other work, including employment opportunities for some at Deseret Book stores.
As an additional resource to better serve Church members, in the summer of 2010 Distribution Services introduced an expanded website for obtaining Church products and materials on-line at Store.LDS.org, which has proven to be popular with millions worldwide.
"We look forward to our expanding relationship with Distribution Services, and are committed to providing customers with the same premier service they've come to expect in Distribution Services stores," Sister Dew said.
Deseret Book is a leader in the publishing, distribution and retailing of religious books, music, and other media products serving Church members. Deseret Book is committed to providing quality products that build faith and strengthen individuals and families.
One of the oldest businesses in Utah, Deseret Book was founded in 1866 in Salt Lake City as George Q. Cannon & Sons Bookstore. Elder Cannon was an apostle and subsequently a counselor in the First Presidency to President Brigham Young.
The store later became Deseret News Bookstore and, after a merger in 1919 with Deseret Sunday School Union Bookstore, another enterprise organized by President Cannon, it was renamed Deseret Book Co. It is wholly owned by Deseret Management Corp., which is owned by the Church.
For more information about the company, visit DeseretBook.com.
