Today the announcement was made that LifeWay Christian Resources, the largest Christian retail chain in America, will be closing their entire line of 170 stores in favor of shifting its inventory completely online.

Back in January, the chain announced their plan to begin reducing locations this year because of declining sales. While no official closing date has been announced yet, the decision has now been made that it is not viable to keep any of the remaining stores open beyond 2019. 

On the strategy of directing their upcoming focus toward online sales at LifeWay.com, acting president and CEO Brad Waggoner shares: "Our retail strategy for the future will be a greater focus on digital channels, which are experiencing strong growth. LifeWay has developed close connections with the communities where our stores are located, and we have been honored to serve those communities. We will continue serving local congregations as they meet the spiritual needs of their neighbors."

To read more about LifeWay's closing, visit Christianity Today's full write-up  or check out the store's official website.