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{{Short description|Australian Christian bookseller}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2014}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2014}}
{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Koorong
| name = Koorong
| logo = Koorong.png
| logo = Koorong-Red.png
| logo_size = 200px
| logo_size = 200px
| parent = Bible Society Australia
| parent = Bible Society Australia
| homepage = {{URL|https://www.koorong.com/}}
| homepage = {{URL|https://Koorong.com/}}
| foundation = 1978
| foundation = 1978
| founders = Bruce and Olive Bootes
| founders = Bruce and Olive Bootes
| hq_location_city = Sydney
| hq_location_country = Australia
| num_locations = 15
}}
}}


'''Koorong''' is a [[Christian]] [[bookstore]] chain operating across [[Australia]]. It is the largest retailer of Christian books and media in Australia.
'''Koorong''' is a [[Christianity|Christian]] [[bookstore]] chain operating across [[Australia]]. It is the largest retailer of Bibles, Christian books and media in Australia. Koorong currently operates online and at 15 stores across the country.


==History==
==History==
Koorong was a family-owned company that began over 40 years ago<ref>{{cite web
Koorong began as a family-owned company over 40 years ago<ref>{{cite web
| last = ASIC
| last = ASIC
| title = Company Name Search
| title = Company Name Search
| url = http://www.search.asic.gov.au/cgi-bin/gns030c?acn=001583759&juris=9&hdtext=ACN&srchsrc=1
| url = http://www.search.asic.gov.au/cgi-bin/gns030c?acn=001583759&juris=9&hdtext=ACN&srchsrc=1
| accessdate = 2008-11-05 }}</ref> in [[Marsfield, New South Wales|Marsfield]], [[Sydney]], in the garage of the Koorong Street home of Bruce Bootes - a retired veterinarian and [[Reformed Baptist]] pastor - and his wife Olive.<ref>See the [http://www.koorong.com/info/faq/generalfaq.jsp Koorong General FAQ webpage] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729184419/http://www.koorong.com/info/faq/generalfaq.jsp |date=29 July 2016 }}. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.</ref> In 1978, their son, Paul began the management of his family’s bookshop business.<ref>See a brief profile of Paul Bootes on [http://www.gma-anz.org/gma-board.cfm the Gospel Music Association Board Profile webpage] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228082343/http://www.gma-anz.org/gma-board.cfm |date=28 February 2009 }}. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.</ref>
| accessdate = 2008-11-05 }}</ref> in [[Marsfield, New South Wales|Marsfield]], [[Sydney]], in the garage of the Koorong Street home of Bruce Bootes - a retired veterinarian and [[Reformed Baptist]] pastor - and his wife Olive.<ref>See the [http://www.koorong.com/info/faq/generalfaq.jsp Koorong General FAQ webpage] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160729184419/http://www.koorong.com/info/faq/generalfaq.jsp |date=29 July 2016 }}. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.</ref> In 1978, their son, Paul began the management of his family's bookshop business.<ref>See a brief profile of Paul Bootes on [http://www.gma-anz.org/gma-board.cfm the Gospel Music Association Board Profile webpage] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090228082343/http://www.gma-anz.org/gma-board.cfm |date=28 February 2009 }}. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.</ref>


Koorong opened their first [[Sydney]] store in Ryedale Road, [[West Ryde, New South Wales|West Ryde]] in 1978, moving to larger premises in West Parade, West Ryde in 1995.<ref>See the [http://orders.koorong.com/info/general/history.jsp Koorong History page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111044728/http://orders.koorong.com/info/general/history.jsp |date=11 January 2012 }} for these dates.</ref> In August 2005, Koorong took over the three [[Church Army]] bookstores at Newcastle, Tamworth and Gosford.<ref>See the [http://www.churcharmy.com.au/Resources/Pioneer_Aug05.pdf Church Army August 2005 newsletter.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718232650/http://www.churcharmy.com.au/Resources/Pioneer_Aug05.pdf |date=18 July 2008 }} Retrieved on 7 May 2009.</ref>[[File:Koorong Blackburn.jpg|thumb|200px|The [[Blackburn, Victoria|Blackburn]] store in Melbourne]]Koorong now operates 15 stores across Australia,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://orders.koorong.com/info/store/ |title=Koorong: Store Info |accessdate=2 December 2008}}</ref> including [[Melbourne]], [[Adelaide]], [[Brisbane]], [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Hobart]], [[Fyshwick]], [[Toowoomba]] and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], with approximately 400 staff, Australia-wide<ref>As reported on 2 August 2005 in a [http://www.cio.com.au/article/136759/koorong_spreads_word_distributed_mitel_ip_telephony_contact_centre_solution Mitel Press Release] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219031927/http://www.cio.com.au/article/136759/koorong_spreads_word_distributed_mitel_ip_telephony_contact_centre_solution |date=19 February 2014 }}. Retrieved on 7 May 2009.</ref> and a brochure mailing list of about 120,000.<ref>Koorong also operates a busy online store.
Koorong opened their first [[Sydney]] store in Ryedale Road, [[West Ryde, New South Wales|West Ryde]] in 1978, moving to larger premises in West Parade, West Ryde in 1995.<ref>See the [http://orders.koorong.com/info/general/history.jsp Koorong History page] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111044728/http://orders.koorong.com/info/general/history.jsp |date=11 January 2012 }} for these dates.</ref> In August 2005, Koorong took over the three [[Church Army]] bookstores at Newcastle, Tamworth and Gosford.<ref>See the [http://www.churcharmy.com.au/Resources/Pioneer_Aug05.pdf Church Army August 2005 newsletter.] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080718232650/http://www.churcharmy.com.au/Resources/Pioneer_Aug05.pdf |date=18 July 2008 }} Retrieved on 7 May 2009.</ref>
Koorong now operates 14 stores across Australia,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.koorong.com/stores|title=Koorong: Stores|last=|first=|date=|website=Koorong|archive-url=|archive-date=|accessdate=15 April 2020}}</ref> including [[Melbourne]], [[Adelaide]], [[Brisbane]], [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]], [[Fyshwick]], [[Toowoomba]] and [[Launceston, Tasmania|Launceston]], with approximately 400 staff, Australia-wide<ref>As reported on 2 August 2005 in a [http://www.cio.com.au/article/136759/koorong_spreads_word_distributed_mitel_ip_telephony_contact_centre_solution Mitel Press Release] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219031927/http://www.cio.com.au/article/136759/koorong_spreads_word_distributed_mitel_ip_telephony_contact_centre_solution |date=19 February 2014 }}. Retrieved on 7 May 2009.</ref> and a brochure mailing list of about 120,000.<ref>Koorong also operates a busy online store.


As at November 2004, the [http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000000595 Australian Prayer Network] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060815/http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000000595 |date=4 March 2016 }} thanked Koorong for mailing out its prayer newsletter in Koorong's monthly catalogue, with a size of 120,000. Retrieved on 11 May 2009. The [http://www.mitel.com/differentinretail/koorong.html August 2005 Mitel case study] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824112048/http://www.mitel.com/differentinretail/koorong.html |date=24 August 2007 }} also gave a figure of about 120,000. Retrieved on 12 May 2009.</ref>
As at November 2004, the [http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000000595 Australian Prayer Network] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304060815/http://ausprayernet.org.au/newsletter/DisplayNewsletter.php?e_id=00000000595 |date=4 March 2016 }} thanked Koorong for mailing out its prayer newsletter in Koorong's monthly catalogue, with a size of 120,000. Retrieved on 11 May 2009. The [http://www.mitel.com/differentinretail/koorong.html August 2005 Mitel case study] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070824112048/http://www.mitel.com/differentinretail/koorong.html |date=24 August 2007 }} also gave a figure of about 120,000. Retrieved on 12 May 2009.</ref>


Koorong was described in 1994 as theologically conservative in terms of the books it sold, which was consistent with its [[Reformed Baptist]] roots.<ref>See the [http://www.aare.edu.au/94pap/longr94344.txt Association for Research in Education 1994 paper by Robert Long] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328064207/http://www.aare.edu.au/94pap/longr94344.txt |date=28 March 2012 }}. Retrieved on 11 May 2009.</ref> Since that time, Koorong’s product range has expanded<ref>Koorong advertises on its website that it has 150,000 Christian products.</ref> to a broader coverage of the diverse sub-groups and movements associated with contemporary evangelical Christianity, including, for example:
Koorong was described in 1994 as theologically conservative in terms of the books it sold, which was consistent with its [[Reformed Baptist]] roots.<ref>See the [http://www.aare.edu.au/94pap/longr94344.txt Association for Research in Education 1994 paper by Robert Long] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328064207/http://www.aare.edu.au/94pap/longr94344.txt |date=28 March 2012 }}. Retrieved on 11 May 2009.</ref> Since that time, Koorong's product range has expanded<ref>Koorong advertises on its website that it has 150,000 Christian products.</ref> to a broader coverage of the diverse sub-groups and movements associated with contemporary evangelical Christianity, including, for example:
[[Church Growth]] movement, [[Charismatic Movement]], [[Progressive Christianity]], [[neo-Calvinism]], [[Emerging church]], and the [[Missional]] Church movement. Denominational streams represented include Reformed/Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Anabaptist, and Wesleyan.
[[Church Growth]] movement, [[Charismatic Movement]], [[Progressive Christianity]], [[neo-Calvinism]], [[Emerging church]], and the [[Missional]] Church movement. Denominational streams represented include [[Reformed Presbyterian Church of Scotland|Reformed]]/[[Presbyterianism|Presbyterian]], [[Baptists|Baptist]], [[Anglicanism|Anglican]], [[Pentecostalism|Pentecostal]], [[Lutheranism|Lutheran]], [[Anabaptism|Anabaptist]], and [[Wesleyan theology|Wesleyan]].


[[File:Koorong Blackburn.jpg|thumb|A Koorong bookstore in the [[Melbourne]] suburb of [[Blackburn, Victoria|Blackburn]]]]
⚫
In addition to a comprehensive range of Bibles, the subject categories and themes of Koorong's product range include: practical guidance on Christian living; popular devotionals; apologetics; academic theology and biblical studies; ministry resources; romance, suspense, and historical fiction; inspirational giftware; classic authors; Bible reference works and commentaries; contemporary worship music.<ref>See {{cite web|url=http://www.koorong.com/ |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2007-09-15 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229063023/https://www.koorong.com/ |archivedate=29 December 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref> It has been asserted that most of the titles sold at Koorong are by North American authors.<ref>See [http://www.charismamag.com/special/australia/ Charisma Magazine article entitled "What's Happening Down Under" dated 27 July 2007]{{dead link|date=July 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}. Retrieved on 12 May 2009.</ref>


⚫
In addition to a comprehensive range of Bibles, the subject categories and themes of Koorong's product range include: practical guidance on Christian living; popular devotionals; apologetics; academic theology and biblical studies; ministry resources; romance, suspense, and historical fiction; inspirational giftware; classic authors; Bible reference works and commentaries; contemporary worship music.<ref>See {{cite web|url=http://www.koorong.com/ |title=New & Bestselling Christian products. Buy Christian products Online from Koorong |accessdate=2007-09-15 |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20161229063023/https://www.koorong.com/ |archivedate=29 December 2016 |df=dmy }}</ref>
⚫
In December 2009 Koorong purchased UK based book publisher Authentic Media and Paternoster Publishers from [[Send the Light|IBS-STL]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stldistribution.blogspot.com/2009/12/ibs-stl-uk-trade-annoucement.html |title=STL Distribution: IBS-STL UK Trade Announcement}}</ref> In 2014, Koorong acquired a significant share of BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, with a creative HQ based in Minneapolis MN, USA.


⚫
In December 2009 Koorong purchased UK based book publisher Authentic Media and [[Paternoster Press|Paternoster Publishers]] from [[Send the Light|IBS-STL]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://stldistribution.blogspot.com/2009/12/ibs-stl-uk-trade-annoucement.html |title=STL Distribution: IBS-STL UK Trade Announcement|date=21 December 2009}}</ref> In 2014, Koorong acquired a significant share of BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, with a creative HQ based in Minneapolis MN, USA.
⚫
In August 2015 Koorong was acquired by [[Bible Society Australia]]. Bible Society Australia’s CEO Greg Clarke said: "We will now be able to share our important Bible work with, and garner support from, Koorong customers. What’s more, those who shop at Koorong can now know that their purchases will fund even more important Bible mission projects here and around the world."<ref>See [http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/bible-society-australia-acquires-koorong-in-partnership-to-increase-access-to-gods-word#sthash.igoYOhBJ.dpuf Bible Society Australia acquires Koorong in partnership to increase access to God’s word.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316101634/http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/bible-society-australia-acquires-koorong-in-partnership-to-increase-access-to-gods-word |date=16 March 2016 }} Retrieved on 17 August 2015.</ref> The Bootes family continues to retain ownership of Koorong's publishing businesses, and Paul Bootes remains the CEO of the company.

⚫
In August 2015 Koorong was acquired by [[Bible Society Australia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://apmagonline.org/2015/08/17/bible-society-australia-partners-with-koorong-in-match-made-in-heaven/|title=Bible Society Australia partners with Koorong in match made in heaven|date=17 August 2015|publisher=}}</ref> Bible Society Australia's CEO Greg Clarke had said: "We will now be able to share our important Bible work with, and garner support from, Koorong customers. What’s more, those who shop at Koorong can now know that their purchases will fund even more important Bible mission projects here and around the world.".<ref>See [http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/bible-society-australia-acquires-koorong-in-partnership-to-increase-access-to-gods-word#sthash.igoYOhBJ.dpuf Bible Society Australia acquires Koorong in partnership to increase access to God’s word.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316101634/http://www.biblesociety.org.au/news/bible-society-australia-acquires-koorong-in-partnership-to-increase-access-to-gods-word |date=16 March 2016 }} Retrieved on 17 August 2015.</ref> The Bootes family retained ownership of Authentic Media, Paternoster Press and their share of BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC.

After 40 years in the Christian bookselling industry, Paul Bootes retired as managing director of Koorong in July 2017 and his brother, Rob Bootes became CEO.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eternitynews.com.au/australia/koorong-ceo-we-like-the-notion-that-ideas-can-fight-it-out-graciously-on-the-shelves/|title=Koorong CEO: 'We like the notion that ideas can fight it out graciously on the shelves'|date=8 June 2017 |publisher=}}</ref> In July 2018, after Rob Bootes stepped down, David Foster took over the reins at Koorong as general manager.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.biblesociety.org.au/media/bible-society-appoints-david-foster-head-koorong/|title=Bible Society appoints David Foster to head Koorong - Bible Society Australia|date=16 July 2018}}</ref> In February 2020 Koorong announced a brand refresh which has commenced the rollout across digital platforms and stores.


==Notes==
==Notes==
Line 37: Line 46:


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.koorong.com/ Official website]
*Official website: [https://www.koorong.com/ Koorong]
*Parent organisation: [https://www.biblesociety.org.au/ Bible Society Australia]
*Associated: [https://www.publicchristianity.org/ Centre for Public Christianity]
*Associated: [https://www.eternitynews.com.au/ Eternity News]
*Associated: [https://acornpress.net.au/ Acorn Press]


{{Christianity in Australia}}
{{Christianity in Australia}}


[[Category:Christianity in Australia]]
[[Category:Christian organisations based in Australia]]
[[Category:Bookshops of Australia]]
[[Category:Bookshops of Australia]]
[[Category:Christian media companies]]
[[Category:Christian mass media companies]]
[[Category:Companies based in Sydney]]
[[Category:Companies based in Sydney]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1978]]
[[Category:Retail companies established in 1978]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:1978 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Marsfield, New South Wales]]

Latest revision as of 13:51, 15 March 2024

Koorong
Founded1978
FoundersBruce and Olive Bootes
Headquarters
Sydney
,
Australia
Number of locations
15
ParentBible Society Australia
Websitekoorong.com

Koorong is a Christian bookstore chain operating across Australia. It is the largest retailer of Bibles, Christian books and media in Australia. Koorong currently operates online and at 15 stores across the country.

History

[edit]

Koorong began as a family-owned company over 40 years ago[1] in Marsfield, Sydney, in the garage of the Koorong Street home of Bruce Bootes - a retired veterinarian and Reformed Baptist pastor - and his wife Olive.[2] In 1978, their son, Paul began the management of his family's bookshop business.[3]

Koorong opened their first Sydney store in Ryedale Road, West Ryde in 1978, moving to larger premises in West Parade, West Ryde in 1995.[4] In August 2005, Koorong took over the three Church Army bookstores at Newcastle, Tamworth and Gosford.[5] Koorong now operates 14 stores across Australia,[6] including Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth, Fyshwick, Toowoomba and Launceston, with approximately 400 staff, Australia-wide[7] and a brochure mailing list of about 120,000.[8]

Koorong was described in 1994 as theologically conservative in terms of the books it sold, which was consistent with its Reformed Baptist roots.[9] Since that time, Koorong's product range has expanded[10] to a broader coverage of the diverse sub-groups and movements associated with contemporary evangelical Christianity, including, for example: Church Growth movement, Charismatic Movement, Progressive Christianity, neo-Calvinism, Emerging church, and the Missional Church movement. Denominational streams represented include Reformed/Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican, Pentecostal, Lutheran, Anabaptist, and Wesleyan.

A Koorong bookstore in the Melbourne suburb of Blackburn

In addition to a comprehensive range of Bibles, the subject categories and themes of Koorong's product range include: practical guidance on Christian living; popular devotionals; apologetics; academic theology and biblical studies; ministry resources; romance, suspense, and historical fiction; inspirational giftware; classic authors; Bible reference works and commentaries; contemporary worship music.[11]

In December 2009 Koorong purchased UK based book publisher Authentic Media and Paternoster Publishers from IBS-STL.[12] In 2014, Koorong acquired a significant share of BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC, with a creative HQ based in Minneapolis MN, USA.

In August 2015 Koorong was acquired by Bible Society Australia.[13] Bible Society Australia's CEO Greg Clarke had said: "We will now be able to share our important Bible work with, and garner support from, Koorong customers. What’s more, those who shop at Koorong can now know that their purchases will fund even more important Bible mission projects here and around the world.".[14] The Bootes family retained ownership of Authentic Media, Paternoster Press and their share of BroadStreet Publishing Group LLC.

After 40 years in the Christian bookselling industry, Paul Bootes retired as managing director of Koorong in July 2017 and his brother, Rob Bootes became CEO.[15] In July 2018, after Rob Bootes stepped down, David Foster took over the reins at Koorong as general manager.[16] In February 2020 Koorong announced a brand refresh which has commenced the rollout across digital platforms and stores.

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ ASIC. "Company Name Search". Retrieved 5 November 2008.
  2. ^ See the Koorong General FAQ webpage Archived 29 July 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.
  3. ^ See a brief profile of Paul Bootes on the Gospel Music Association Board Profile webpage Archived 28 February 2009 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 8 May 2009.
  4. ^ See the Koorong History page Archived 11 January 2012 at the Wayback Machine for these dates.
  5. ^ See the Church Army August 2005 newsletter. Archived 18 July 2008 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 7 May 2009.
  6. ^ "Koorong: Stores". Koorong. Retrieved 15 April 2020.
  7. ^ As reported on 2 August 2005 in a Mitel Press Release Archived 19 February 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 7 May 2009.
  8. ^ Koorong also operates a busy online store. As at November 2004, the Australian Prayer Network Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine thanked Koorong for mailing out its prayer newsletter in Koorong's monthly catalogue, with a size of 120,000. Retrieved on 11 May 2009. The August 2005 Mitel case study Archived 24 August 2007 at the Wayback Machine also gave a figure of about 120,000. Retrieved on 12 May 2009.
  9. ^ See the Association for Research in Education 1994 paper by Robert Long Archived 28 March 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved on 11 May 2009.
  10. ^ Koorong advertises on its website that it has 150,000 Christian products.
  11. ^ See "New & Bestselling Christian products. Buy Christian products Online from Koorong". Archived from the original on 29 December 2016. Retrieved 2007-09-15.
  12. ^ "STL Distribution: IBS-STL UK Trade Announcement". 21 December 2009.
  13. ^ "Bible Society Australia partners with Koorong in match made in heaven". 17 August 2015.
  14. ^ See Bible Society Australia acquires Koorong in partnership to increase access to God’s word. Archived 16 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on 17 August 2015.
  15. ^ "Koorong CEO: 'We like the notion that ideas can fight it out graciously on the shelves'". 8 June 2017.
  16. ^ "Bible Society appoints David Foster to head Koorong - Bible Society Australia". 16 July 2018.
[edit]
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