To attract nearby residents and better serve thousands of Seventh-day Adventists living in the Loma Linda area, the Adventist Book Center (ABC) has opened the doors to a new 5,000-square foot facility. Approximately $500,000 has been invested in designing and upgrading the store which is owned and managed by Pacific Press.

"We used the Bob Streight Group in Greenview, Ill., top designers for Christian bookstores," said Susan Harvey, vice president for marketing and sales at Pacific Press. The design blends arches, pillars, glass, focused lighting and geometric carpet designs in burgundy and gray.

More than 300 people attended the Nov. 16 ribbon-cutting ceremony, which featured a parade of dignitaries from Loma Linda, the Southeastern California Conference and Pacific Press. Del Delker, long-time soloist for the Voice of Prophecy radio broadcast, cut the ribbon and was on hand to sign copies of her autobiography.

"The first day we had 528 transactions," Harvey reported, "and sales have increased noticeably over one year ago." The Riverside and Loma Linda ABCs are among the largest of the 20 bookstores owned by the Pacific Press.

Same Area, New Site

"We are in the same shopping complex as before, but our new store is closer to the street and easier to find," said Jenny Butler, ABC manager. The address for the new store is 25568 Barton Road in Loma Linda.

"We needed more space, too," Butler added. "We had been in the old building about 20 years and our business was growing. Adding 2,000 square feet helps a lot.

"We also wanted a store environment that is representative of our community, where people would enjoy shopping," Butler said. The Loma Linda branch relies heavily on "front door" traffic for sales. Along with Adventist products, it stocks a variety of quality Christian books and gifts.

By contrast, the Riverside business handles all mail and website orders for Adventist magazines and books that originate in the Southeastern California Conference territory. It also emphasizes materials for children's and Spanish language ministries. The Riverside store is located at 11320 Pierce Street in the conference headquarters building.

"The 15 staff members at both stores worked hard to prepare for the grand opening," Butler said. "We are excited to be in the new place."