The Christian owner of a toyshop chain has said he will not open stores on a Sunday because his faith impacts his business. At the age of 23, Gary Grant, founder of The Entertainer chain, took over his first toyshop in Buckinghamshire with his wife Catherine. Now they have 110 UK stores, and for the year to the end of January made a £7.8 million profit.

Mr Grant became a Christian in 1991. Since then he has been making his business compatible with his beliefs. Mr Grant has said in the past he is “accountable to God” not to shareholders.

Ten per cent of profits are given to charity, and the chain does not stock Halloween goods or realistic weaponry – Mr Grant explained: “We just want to be comfortable with what we’re selling”. Mr Grant also seeks to create opportunities for many people, because he recognises that he might not have had such a large business without the opportunities he was given.

During the economic crisis in 2008, he prayed with his staff every week for four months. At the end of the year, the firm broke even. In a recent interview with the Guardian, Mr Grant said: “In everything we do, faith is central to our decisions”.

Source: The Christian Institute

Bible Study: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12

PRAISE God that Mr Grant remains true to his faith in the difficult commercial world.

PRAY that he and his staff may be blessed and for others like him.