Executive Vice President of Retail for Baker Book House Co. Retiring in June
Baker Book House Company announces that Sue Smith, Executive Vice President of Retail, will be retiring on June 1, 2023. Smith has served in various capacities throughout her years at the store, including clerk, floor supervisor, and trade book buyer. In 2005 she transitioned to the role of store manager, and in 2020 she joined the executive team.
During Smith’s leadership, she oversaw the remodeling of the Baker Book House store (2012), which is now one of the largest inspirational bookstores in the United States, hosting an event space, a coffee shop, and a large used books section. In 2020 she launched the Baker Book House website and e-commerce system, which offers an expanding list of products and services to customers across the globe. Since its launch, the store’s revenue has grown by 20 percent. Smith’s skills have also been instrumental in the Christian publishing industry. She served six years on the board of directors for the Christian Booksellers Association (CBA), which included two years as the chair.
“It has been my honor to care for the Baker Retail presence on behalf of Baker Book House Company, the Baker family, and the ongoing legacy that Herman Baker began so long ago,” said Smith. “I am also thankful to have had the opportunity to work for a company that loves the church and that invokes a real love of books for the sake of the church worldwide.”
Dwight Baker, President and CEO of Baker Book House Company, stated, “As other retailers fell off the map one by one, Sue Smith steadily built Baker Book House into the largest destination Christian bookstore in North America. Sue’s vision, passion, and business skills are on full display at the East Paris Avenue setting of four decades. She has been a lasting gift to our company and to the West Michigan community, and we wish Sue the best for her well-deserved retirement.”
Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.