Individual comments from respondents to our survey on Christian gifts:

QUESTION: Other than the types of products they buy (framed art, collectibles, plush, etc.) what trends have you observed regarding your customer's attitudes toward buying gifts in your store? What are they doing differently now than they were 2-3 years ago?

“ Increasing frustration with products they've seen before; they want to see new things constantly; but we can't buy until we clear existing shelf space."

“Thinking of our store for decorating their own home.”

“More juvenile and special interests (except Judaica).”

“Less large gifts are sold.”

“Price and value are the No. 1 concern. People don’t have the time to look, it seems they want a personal shopper, so it's important to have a well-trained staff to 'hand-sell' or 'show off' our products.”

“More interest in ‘functional’ gifts--kitchen and garden items.”

“We were a Christian bookstore but changed into school and office supply, also a copy machine. We will only be selling bibles and gifts.”

“Buying more scripture items to put in their own homes.”

“Looking for cheap inexpensive gifts--under $15.”

“They look for gifts with a use, rather than just knickknacks to put on a shelf."

QUESTION: Looking ahead 2-3 years, what is your prediction for gift sales in your store?

“We have to hang in there, because this is one area where we're not bleeding sales to the Internet. It's one of the few departments where buying in person is good for the customer."

“They will continue to be strong but maybe not quite as diverse.”

“Stay pretty much the same as they have over the past several years.”

“If we can provide unique products at a good value I believe we can capture our loyal gift buying customers. I believe we have become more intentional about what we bring into our store, therefore, I am optimistic about the future.”

“For the share to stay the same, but I think overall sales will be down.

“Sell less high priced items but more gift items in the mid-price range.”

“Increased percentage of total sales.”

“If it wasn't for gifts, I would not be in business. I plan on it staying about the same percentage as it is now.”

QUESTION: What is the "business reason" for carrying gifts in your store?

“Not viable to concentrate 100% only on books, which would probably be my first desire. We must diversify to keep our book selling healthy.”

“Make us a one-stop shop.”

“Better Margin, gets people into the store.”

“$$$.”

“Better margins than other categories.”

“To give choices to the customers.”

“Survival."

“Width of reasons for consumers to visit.”

“Customer demand.”

“Variety and add-on sales.”

“Keep customers in store longer.”

QUESTION: What is the "ministry reason" for stocking gifts in your store?

“Having things in your home as ‘reminders; of faith heritage actually has a precedent in Scripture.”

“Inspire others and be a testimony.”

“Full-service store has to offer all items."

“Blessing people.”

“Meets the 'needs' of our customers.”

“Offer Christian alternatives to what one could find in a secular store.

“Encouraging gift for a Christian; non-threatening gift for non-believer.”

“To the spread the word of God.”

“Use product as a statement of faith for home owners and gift givers.”

“Edifying gifts that extend the kingdom of God.”

“Inspirational encouragement.”

“Non-readers have additional reason to come into the store.”

“Same as books and music. To inspire and draw people closer to Jesus.”

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