The Story of Parable
How Parable Began
For 25 years, Parable has been a recognized leader in Christian retail, helping stores increase traffic, improve sales and grow their ministry through effective marketing and promotions.
In 1985, Parable founder Steve Potratz created a simple flyer for his independent Christian retail store, called "The Parable," in San Luis Obispo, California. It impressed a fellow store owner so much he asked Steve to print a few for his own customers, and the idea of an independent store alliance was born. On the foundation of catalogs and flyers, a whole structure of services and tools to help independent Christian stores succeed was created.
And Then Came Franchising
The retail landscape has changed dramatically since Parable began helping stores with marketing in the early '80s. In 2004, Parable responded to the growing need for more comprehensive business services and greater brand recognition by creating the Parable Franchise. Today, Parable Christian Stores is America's largest Christian retail franchise with locations throughout the country.
In 2008, Parable acquired Insight Retail Group/Lemstone Christian Stores, the second largest Christian retail franchise in the industry. Parable's knowledge in marketing and merchandising combined with Insight's years of experience in operations, buying and new store opening help Parable provide a comprehensive suite of services to plan, open and maintain new franchise stores.
Awards and Honors
Parable Franchising has been honored by Franchise Times magazine in 2008 & 2009 in their Fast 55 awards honoring the fastest-growing franchises in the nation. Parable Franchising has also been recognized by Franchise Business Review as a top 50 company within the retail category in 2008, 2009 & 2010. The Franchise 50 Awards are based on a survey of franchise owner satisfaction.
Parable franchise stores have also been honored numerous times by CBA, the Christian retail industry's trade association, for retail store excellence in various categories of outstanding operational performance.
