Business

The announcement completes a journey that began decades ago when Seagull Book first emerged as a discount-driven alternative to Deseret Book and later became the center of one of the most notable business conflicts in LDS retail.

A Legacy Built by Founder Lou Kofford

Seagull Book was founded in 1987 by entrepreneur Lou Kofford, who envisioned a store where families could purchase Latter-day Saint books and media at more affordable prices. His model quickly caught on, especially among budget-conscious shoppers, and the company grew from a local retailer to a regional chain with dozens of stores.

Seagull Book became known for its focus on discounted pricing and broad selection, a combination that helped define the company’s role in the LDS retail market.

The 2006 Turning Point: A Hostile Clash with Deseret Book

The most dramatic chapter in Seagull Book’s history came in 2006, when Deseret Book suddenly announced it would no longer supply Seagull Book with any Deseret Book–published products. Because Deseret Book produced a majority of LDS titles at the time, this was widely viewed as a hostile attempt to cripple Seagull Book.

The decision created a public outcry. Many authors—whose works were sold at both retailers—expressed frustration, and consumers worried their access to key titles would be limited. Seagull Book became something of an underdog hero in the eyes of shoppers who saw the conflict as a struggle for choice and fair pricing within the LDS market.

Although the companies eventually reached resolutions in later years, the tension underscored Seagull Book’s importance as a competitive force—one that kept prices accessible and offered a meaningful alternative for Latter-day Saint consumers.

Sweet Salt Clothing and Covenant Communications to End

With this year’s closure, Sweet Salt, Seagull Book’s modest women’s clothing line, will also shut down. The news comes as a disappointment to many who relied on Sweet Salt’s reliable mix of trendy, modest, and affordable styles.

At the same time, Covenant Communications, known for its prolific catalog of Latter-day Saint fiction and family-friendly nonfiction, will discontinue new publishing. Covenant authors produced some of the most recognizable LDS novels of the past two decades, and its retirement marks a significant shift for readers who followed its series, romance lines, and historical fiction titles.

A Major Shift for LDS Shoppers

The closing of Seagull Book will now push many longtime customers to look online for the affordable LDS books, inspirational art and home décor, children’s activity items, modest clothing alternatives, and seasonal gifts they once purchased in-store. For nearly 40 years, Seagull Book filled a unique niche as a family-centered retailer offering lower prices, approachable shopping, and a wide selection of LDS products under one roof.

Its absence will be felt deeply—especially during the holidays, when Seagull Book stores were traditionally bustling with shoppers searching for gifts, stocking stuffers, and new releases. As in-person options shrink, many families will increasingly rely on online LDS retailers to fill the gap and provide the variety and value they’re accustomed to.

A New Retail Landscape

With Seagull Book, Sweet Salt, and Covenant Communications all closing their doors, the LDS retail ecosystem is entering a new era—one with fewer brick-and-mortar options and fewer distinct publishing imprints.