Eighty-five buyers representing 40 stores attended Abbey Press’ April 6-11 Open House commemorating its 50th anniversary. Owned and operated by Saint Meinrad Archabbey, Abbey Press held the event on the grounds of the archabbey in St. Meinrad, Indiana.

The company issued an open invitation to all wholesaler buyers, offering free accommodations for a three-day, two-night stay in the newly renovated St. Bede Hall, as well as an itinerary of special shopping hours, entertainment, tours of the grounds and the 160-year-old archabbey church, daily prayer services and meet-and-greets with Saint Meinrad monks, and other activities. A framed print was created to mark the company’s anniversary and was presented to each attendee.

The booth Abbey will exhibit at the International Christian Retailing Show (ICRS) in June was set up during the Open House, displaying customer-favorite products along with new items set to debut later this year. Store buyers were treated to discounts and free freight on orders placed during the Open House.

Final sales from the April event exceeded Abbey Press’ goal by 18%, but Sue Kloeck, director of Abbey Press’ trade marketing division, said her hopes for the event were fulfilled beyond just financial success.

“In our 50th year, it’s more important to me than ever that our customers, new and old, really understand who we are,” she said. “The archabbey is our home, and the work we do and the products we sell help support the good works and ministries of this institution.”

Kloeck is grateful that so many buyers accepted the invitation to the event.

“Getting to interact with customers in person is always gratifying, and this Open House provided an experience that was overwhelmingly positive for our customers and the entire Abbey Press staff,” she said.

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