The Distribution Services Division of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is making some changes designed to improve efficiency and better serve Church members. In an agreement announced today, Distribution Services is expanding an arrangement with Deseret Book to sell Church-produced materials through its stores.
Six Deseret Book stores have been selling Church-produced materials and products since late 2009. Under the new agreement, Deseret Book will serve as an agent for Distribution Services and offer these materials at additional Deseret Book store locations according to prices and policies established by the Church. Both parties say the agreement will create a convenient shopping experience for customers and allow a more efficient use of Church resources.
Distribution Services stores near Deseret Book stores will be closed and consolidated with Deseret Book. During 2011, approximately a dozen stores will be consolidated, beginning with those in Logan, Midvale, Orem, and Spanish Fork, Utah, and Pocatello, Idaho. Additional locations will be consolidated in following years. Employees in the affected Distribution Services stores will be offered a voluntary severance package or assigned other work, including possible employment at Deseret Book.
Church members will continue to be able to purchase products through the new online Distribution Services store, which offers free shipping.
