After 32 years in this community, the reign of the Dove Christian Bookstore is coming to an end. The bookstore is located downtown on Central Avenue. The owner, Dave Hulstart, reflects upon all the time he has spent in the store, and why it is time to close.
Business has been tailing off for the past five years now, and on top of this factor, Hulstart has been sick and on dialysis.
“I can’t always be there to keep the store running, so it’s been a challenge,” Hulstart said. “It was just time to close down the store.”
While Hulstart wishes he could keep the store open, there are a lot of aspects of running the store he will miss. The thing that comes to mind as a favorite is the people he has gotten to work with.
“The employees I have spent time with over the years have been wonderful, as well as the customers I have had,” Hulstart said.
Much of his family was involved in running the store, including his mother, sister, and daughter.
“The Dove Bookstore gives people an opportunity to find the merchandise in the Christian aspect they are looking for, without having to leave town,” Hulstart said.
While running the store, Hulstart has felt overwhelming support from the community. A special memory for Hulstart includes the day the store first opened because it became clear to him there was a need for such a store in the community, and Dove Christian Bookstore was filling that need.
It is not sure yet what is being moved into the store next, but Hulstart is hoping it will be retail. Because of the location of the building, it’s a perfect spot to run a small store. He also hopes it is a business that will work well with Hands Around the World, the store right next to where Dove is now.
Though he is looking forward to being retired, Hulstart will definitely miss running the store. Hulstart would like to thank everybody for their business, and note that it has been a good 32 years.
“I’m sorry that my health has caused the end, but I am happy I had the opportunity to take part in such a special business,” Hulstart said.
