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| Seagull Book in Orem, Utah | |
Deseret Book will phase out its Seagull Book brands and stores by the end of the year, Deseret News reported. Founded in 1987 and owned by Deseret Book for almost two decades, the subsidiary offers Latter-day Saint publications and other products at discounted prices.
Calling the move an "incredibly difficult decision," Deseret Book president Laurel Day said the move came after several years of decline as a result of an abundance of free content, costs of labor and materials, and the increased demand for technology and data investments affecting the company's business model.
"In 2006, Deseret Book welcomed Seagull into our family, and we have worked side by side since that time," Day added. "However, the business model is no longer filling the needs it once did as times and customer behaviors have changed. After extensive analysis and deep consideration, we have made the difficult decision to phase out our Seagull brands over the coming year."
By the end of the year, Deseret Book will dissolve the development of the Sweet Salt clothing line and close all Seagull Book locations, including a warehouse in American Fork, Utah. Seagull Book stores will remain open and continue operating through 2025, while the Covenant publishing imprint formally becomes a brand within Deseret Book.