Deseret Book Co. announced Friday it plans to open a new combination retail store in Nauvoo, Ill., later this year — the company's first store in the Eastern half of the United States.

The 2,600-square-foot store, which could open as early as June 2006, will be designed in the style of Old Nauvoo and feature products from Mormon Handicraft, Lion House Pantry and Deseret Book, the company said in a statement. It will be located near the Nauvoo Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"This is a welcome opportunity to bring to the area the time-honored and popular traditions of hand-crafted goods, delicious Lion House food and other quality Deseret Book products," Sheri Dew, Deseret Book president and chief executive officer, said in a prepared statement. "Nauvoo is naturally an important location for members of the LDS Church, and we are delighted to become a part of the community."

The store will bear the names of all three participating retailers and will offer an array of goods: handmade quilts, pioneer clothing and other apparel, home decor, gifts and jewelry from Mormon Handicraft; rolls, pies, cookies, soups and sandwiches from Lion House Pantry; and books, music and DVDs from Deseret Book.

Employment opportunities are available in the new location, including customer service, food preparation and supervisory roles, the company said. Those interested can leave contact information online at deseretbook.com/hr/.