God’s World expands

Detroit’s nationally renowned gospel music store God’s World is planning a major expansion, from its current 3,600 square feet to 12,000 square feet.

The project involves renovating five adjacent storefronts and is expected to be completed next spring. The new location will have a cafe, a performance stage and areas for customers to sit down and read or listen to tapes.

In addition to music, the store also sells religious books and videos, sheet music and apparel.

Sears, Roebuck and Co. is one of several major retailers pursuing the Hispanic market by developing Spanish-language versions of their websites (www.searsenespanol.com). Target spokesperson Doug Kline said that developing a Spanish-language site for its store is “on the radar screen.”

Long-time west Michigan retailer Steketee’s closed its last remaining store at Westshore Mall in Holland this summer. Founded in 1862, Steketee’s was known for quality merchandise at its six west Michigan stores. A Grand Rapids location closed in 1998 followed by four more in the next four years. Competition from discount stores and changing retail trends are cited as the reasons for the store’s demise.

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