Officials ‘expect a strong show’ for retailers’ trade association’s annual summer show in new city

CBA is hoping to attract retailers and suppliers to its International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) with special promotions and offerings.

Marking its 61st anniversary in St. Louis—a Midwest location for the first time in years—ICRS is set for June 27-30. CBA Chairman-elect George Thomsen told Christian Retailing that this year’s theme—“Real People, Real Impact: It’s Why We Do What We Do”—is “about coming together as an industry.”

“No matter how our businesses are doing, where we’re located, what country we’re from or what competitors we might be facing, our business is about ministry,” he said. “And it’s about making a real impact in the lives of the people we serve.”

ICRS is looking to bounce back after total professional attendance in Denver last summer declined 20% over 2008, while international attendees saw a 28% drop. CBA declined to disclose how many individual stores were at the 2009 show.

Although attendance was significantly down and the exhibit floor shrunk from 2008, positive sales reports and an upbeat mood were the common verdict of suppliers, distributors, publishers and retailers at last summer’s show.

At press time, 175 suppliers were listed on the ICRS Web site for 2010. Just like the past two years, Thomas Nelson will again skip ICRS in St. Louis.

“The number of suppliers is tracking close to last year,” Thomsen said. “All of the major suppliers have once again committed to this year’s ICRS. … Retailer registration just opened and is earlier than last year, so we do not have comparable data. We are expecting that we will have a good showing of strong retailers in St. Louis.”

In terms of promotions, CBA is offering those who register online a chance to win an iPod and association members who sign up another retailer to join the organization will be able attend ICRS for free. Additionally, members who sign up more than five retailers to join CBA will be entered in a drawing for a family vacation for three nights in Orlando, Fla.

“Members of CBA make the best advocates and resource for helping out fellow retailers by sharing the many benefits of membership they have personally experienced,” Thomsen said.

CBA is also offering 13 training workshops—including topics such as using social media and bargain book strategies—for free to members.

“I don’t know what our past workshop fees were, but (they were) not expensive—particularly if the retailer purchased a workshop bundle,” Thomsen said. “CBA recognizes that retailers’ budgets are much tighter this year, yet the need for training remains. That is why we have made the adjustment.”

In additional, the association is offering eight free merchandising demonstrations in product categories such as apparel, fiction, fine art, gifts, jewelry and family entertainment. Just like last year, the demonstrations will be led by suppliers as they engage attendees in hands-on exercises for effective showcasing of the products. Meanwhile, bargain product suppliers will be spotlighted in the Bargain Boulevard section of the exhibit floor of America’s Center.

“Bargain product has been an area of growth in the past year for many retailers finding new avenues of profitability in the recession,” Thomsen said. “By perusing bargain booths conveniently clustered together in the same area, retailers will be able to see all the bargain product available to help them sell more to budget-conscious customers.”

At press time, CBA was still finalizing agreements with speakers for the show, which will again feature the Heart of the Artist Luncheon.

Thomsen said he was optimistic about ICRS.

“While the economy is showing signs of improvement, we still need to get together to strengthen our businesses, and be encouraged to carry out the mission of our ministry,” he said. “We’re looking forward to St. Louis with excitement to be in a new city that’s centrally located within a strong concentration of stores, and expect a strong show with dedicated retailers and suppliers in attendance.”

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