ST. CLAIRSVILLE — A new store held a soft opening at the Ohio Valley Mall on Wednesday.

The Olive Branch Christian Gifts is co-owned by three officials at Thoburn United Methodist Church in St. Clairsville: Dave St.Aubin, senior pastor; Mike Perkins, lay servant; and Bill Wendell, associate pastor.

The store is located behind the customer service kiosk in the mall.

St.Aubin said the soft opening was a success, and the store was busy Wednesday morning.

“It’s been surprising for a weekday morning. It’s been really good,” he said.

“There were three of us that all had the same idea of opening up a Christian gift store in the area, and the reason that we did it was just to give people an opportunity to come in here and not just shop but enjoy fellowship together. We have coffee that we offer and snacks, but we just thought it was something that the community needed,” St.Aubin said.

St.Aubin said the store carries gifts for all ages including books, household items, games and clothing. The store also has a small seating area where shoppers can sit down and talk and listen to the Christian music playing throughout the store.

He said that The Olive Branch will be getting some Christmas items in stock before its grand opening on Saturday.

St.Aubin said he tries to sell unique items.

“We try to keep it unique so that we’re not duplicating what other stores in the area might have,” he said.

He said people walking into the store can expect “a friendly welcome, fair prices and a good selection of items that are Christian.”

The Olive Branch also offers free Bibles.

According to a press release from St.Aubin, Wendell and Perkins: “Our purpose is to offer Christian gifts and household items at an affordable cost and serve the community wherever and however we can.”

The grand opening and official ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. St.Aubin said snacks and free coffee will be available to the public during the grand opening. The co-owners will also be having a promotional sale on Saturday.

The store is open during mall hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday.

St.Aubin said the store is currently run entirely by its owners, and customers can expect to see himself, Perkins or Wendell at the counter.

“If we do have anybody here, it’s all going to be volunteer-run until we can afford to hire out,” he said.

St.Aubin added that all veterans who shop at the store will receive a free gift.

According to the store’s website: “We are not about making a profit, we are about making connections. We are not about growing in size, we are about growing in discipleship. We are not about us, we are about the work we are called to do in His Kingdom!”

For more information, visit the store’s website at theolivebranchchristiangifts.com, visit The Olive Branch Christian Gifts on Facebook or Instagram or call 740-650-5475.