The national Christian retailer LifeWay Christian Store announced plans to shutter all 170 of its brick-and-mortar shops in 2019, including its location at 17776 Hwy. 249, Houston. LifeWay said it will maintain its online retail presence and community resources amid the closures.

“LifeWay is fortunate to have a robust publishing, events and church services business. Our retail strategy for the future will be a greater focus on digital channels, which are experiencing strong growth,” Brad Waggoner, LifeWay CEO and acting president, said in a statement. “LifeWay is moving into a new era with a strategic digital focus that will prepare us for the future and allow us to better serve our customers.”

An employee at the Willowbrook area LifeWay store said it plans to close this fall—either in late October or early November. 281-894-9561. www.lifeway.com