Landmark Christian retailer finds new life
The Grand Opening for Hull’s Family Bookstore in Winnipeg takes place Saturday, December 13 at 1317a Portage Avenue.
WINNIPEG, MB—When Hull’s Family Bookstore shut its doors after 95 years in operation, many Winnipeg and area residents believed the Christian retailer was gone for good.
Hull’s had locations in Winnipeg, Steinbach, Manitoba and Thunder Bay, Ontario. However, in early 2014 both the Winnipeg and Thunder Bay locations were shut down, unable to compete with large retailers and advances in digital technology.
However, Sheila Careless, former office manager of the Winnipeg location, could not let the vision for the Christian bookstore die.
Careless, along with her husband Bruce, purchased the business including its Steinbach location (which had not closed) as well the rights to re-open Hull’s in Winnipeg.
Careless says the number of people who wanted Hull’s to come back was overwhelming.
“People were still leaving phone messages saying ‘we really miss Hulls in Winnipeg.’ I was hearing it everywhere I go,” recalls Careless. “It’s something that I feel passionate about: to help [Christians] on their spiritual journey and give them what has often been known as a safe place to come.”
The new location at 1317 Portage Avenue is holding their Grand Opening Saturday, December 13 from 9:30 a.m until 5:30 p.m, just in time for Christmas. It will be smaller than Hull’s original Winnipeg location, but more accessible and with free parking, a feature absent from the former location. Merchandise will include books, Bibles, giftware, music, DVDs and church supplies, and the store will also include a large children’s section.
Dear Readers:
ChristianWeek relies on your generous support. please take a minute and donate to help give voice to stories that inform, encourage and inspire.
Donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable receipt.Thank you, from Christianweek.
About the author