Legacy Publishing and Christian Inspirations have announced a strategic alliance that will create an innovative sales, distribution, design, product development and customer service partnership.

Carlos Llanso, CEO of Legacy, notes that “the combination of Christian Inspiration’s extensive assorted greeting card box products and Legacy’s Buy a Card, Feed a Child greeting card program will give us the ability to provide primary control of greeting card departments and card pocket management for stores looking for 70 pockets to 600 pockets.”

Despite nicer spring weather, consumers tempered their spending last month. April retail sales (excluding automobiles, gas stations and restaurants) were unchanged seasonally adjusted month-to-month, yet increased 4.7% unadjusted year-over-year, according to the National Retail Federation (NRF). Sales for the category that includes book, music, sporting goods and hobby stores increased 0.7% seasonally adjusted month-to-month, yet decreased 0.6% unadjusted year-over-year.

“The shift in Easter to April did not provide enough bounce to retailers as retail sales struggled to keep their strong spring pace,” NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said. “With consumer spending accounting for roughly 70% of total economic activity, NRF remains hopeful that the uninspiring April retail sales figures are just a temporary seasonal fluctuation.”

CJ Products, manufacturer of Pillow Pets-branded products, has entered into a distribution deal for its Inspirations line with Nashville-based CNI Distribution. Pillow Pets Inspirations is a line of Christian-themed gift plush that provides biblical messages of support and comfort.

CNI Distribution, a division of Christian Network International, will serve as the fulfillment and distribution agent for Pillow Pets Inspirations to the Christian retail and church market.

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.

Midwest-CBK, national designer and manufacturer of seasonal and everyday gifts as well as home and outdoor décor, has introduced Beautiful Soul, an inspirational brand featuring six distinct styles from six renowned artists: Susan Black, Jenn McGlon, Jessica Swift, Crystal Kluge, Kristin Allen and Amylee Weeks.

Beautiful Soul features more than 200 gift items designed to inspire and celebrate personal growth, love, family, friends, home, nature and faith. Designs incorporate inspiring words, phrases and icons such as crosses, angels, birds, trees, botanicals and hearts applied in unique combinations.

Lighthouse Christian Products Co. announced the hire of Val Buick as executive vice president and CEO.

“We are very excited that Val decided to join our team,” said George Nizynski, president and co-owner of the company with his wife, Pat. “We cannot think of anyone more highly regarded in the Christian gift industry. We have known Val for approximately 18 years. She was our first gift buyer at Family Christian Stores. Val will focus on helping Lighthouse expand its product offering into new and additional categories.”

Christian Retailing is requesting that all exhibitors for the 2014 International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) submit your show floor location, new products, specials and event information. This information will guide retailers planning ahead for the June 22-25 event in Atlanta and will be in our show issue.

Click here to submit your company's information free of charge along with product image or company logo.

For special promotional opportunities, please contact Cliff Morales at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 407-333-0600, ext. 2282, or Ann Marie Kelly at 407-333-0600, ext. 2244.