Winners of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best awards were announced Tuesday morning, June 24, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta. Lighthouse Christian Products Co. won all three gift categories: General Gift Product, Seasonal/Holiday and Wall Décor.  

Todd Starnes, author of God Less America (FrontLine/Charisma House) and host of the “FOX News & Commentary” daily radio show, presented the 2014 awards, at the Creative Pavilion stage at the Georgia World Congress Center. Steve Strang, founder and CEO of Charisma Media, welcomed the guests, and Christine D. Johnson, editor of Christian Retailing magazine, the sponsor of Christian Retailing’s Best, emceed the awards.

Christian apparel, jewelry and gifts supplier Kerusso has been named the official licensed products partner for Left Behind—The Movie, coming to theaters Oct. 3. The movie features an all-star cast, including Nicolas Cage, Chad Michael Murray, Cassi Thomson, Nicky Whelan and Jordin Sparks.

Left Behind is based on the New York Times best-selling novel by Jerry B. Jenkins and Tim LaHaye. With more than 65 million copies sold, the Tyndale House-published titles comprise one of the best-selling fiction series of all time.

Kerusso, in partnership with Stoney Lake Entertainment (SLE), debuts three new T-shirts, two stainless-steel travel tumblers, an embroidered cap and silicone wristbands, each building on a theme of “Left Behind—The End Begins: Are you ready?”

“We’re very pleased to have Kerusso partnering with us to share the message of Left Behind,” said David Heimbecker, SLE’s vice president of marketing. “Stoney Lake Entertainment is committed to bringing big-budget faith-themed films to a wider audience.”

Kerusso founder and President Vic Kennett said the company is “excited for the book series to come to life on the big screen in a big-budget way, allowing millions to experience the message.”

From its founding, the Berryville, Arkansas-based gift supplier has been evangelism-oriented, so Left Behind fits in well with the company’s line of products.

“Designing products that embody the meaning of the movie is an honor because it aligns so well with our mission: Proclaiming the Good News to the World, through products about Jesus,” Kennett said.

View the movie trailer at leftbehindmovie.com.

Robert Spooner Galerie will hold a “Guess the Number” contest in the company’s booth at the International Christian Retail Show next week in Atlanta.

All customers will receive an entry with their show order, and the closest guess wins $500 in retail product. See booth #543 for details.

To learn about other drawings, specials and discounts, see the July issue of Christian Retailing magazine available at the show’s Charisma Media booth, #1151.

Christian Brands, a multi-brand gift importing firm focused on inspirational gifts and tabletop and wall art since 1948, has announced a promotion for industry veteran Brian Schroeder. With more than fifteen years of industry experience, Schroeder now fills the role of vice president of sales and marketing.

Schroeder has a significant marketing and sales background, including eight years at Roman where he served as its regional sales manager and contributed to the commercial success of the company’s best-selling gift lines.

The late Albert David Maslia will be named the GHTA/Gift for Life Honor of Excellence recipient at the fifth annual ICON HONORS celebration Thursday, July 10, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Christian retailers will recognize him as the face of AmericasMart, one who guided newcomers in navigating the famed Atlanta gift show.

At Maslia's April 9 passing, he was managing director of retail services for AmericasMart Atlanta. He was also a veteran retailer, having begun his long career at Rich’s Department Store and later going on to found the highly successful Linen Loft and Social Expressions specialty-store chains. The GHTA/Gift for Life Honor of Excellence is named by independent action of the judges, at their sole discretion and initiation, from the field of achievement nominees.

Nazareth Secret, a family-owned and -operated company with a growing line of products from the historic city of Nazareth, Israel, will exhibit at the International Christian Retail Show, June 22-25 in Atlanta. All Nazareth Secret products are now available to retailers across North America through specialty food-fulfillment company Distribution 2000.

The company’s product line, including Honey, Dates & Halva Spread and Herbal Tea, will be available to taste at Goodknight Sales booth #1234. Nazareth Secret's line of handcrafted candles also will be on display.

Abbey Press’ latest kitchenware collection offers gift shops a way to add bright color to their shelves this summer, while providing customers with ways to celebrate faith and family.

“Blooming Blessings” features coordinating kitchen items with meaningful sentiments and Scripture verses. Retailers may wish to point customers to the collection for gifts for housewarmings and weddings.