Pressures of downturned economy blamed, despite 'still high' demand for bargain books 

Leaders of the Christian remainders market say the segment continues to grow, but there is less product available. 

The largest bargain book show in the country, Chicago International Remainder and Overstock Book Exposition (CIROBE), marking its 20th anniversary Oct. 28-31 in Chicago, was expected to draw nine Christian publishers, like last year's show.

Jerry Bloom, president of Wholesale Christian Books, said about a dozen publishers have committed to exhibit during its Inspirational Value Book Show (IVBS)—part of a new, collaborative winter trade show with CBA and Christian Trade Association International, to be held in Atlanta, Jan. 11-13, 2011. 

Bloom told Christian Retailing that there was "definitely a softening when it comes to the amount of available product" in the Christian bargain book market. "We are seeing no slowdown in demand," said Bloom, whose IVBS moves from its previous venue in Nashville. 

The Christian remainders market is being influenced by two factors, he added. 

"First, the shift in staff at Christian publishers has shaken up our relationships that have been in place for a while with the staff that we are used to working with," Bloom said. "New people in positions means new vision, which can mean change for the way that we are used to doing business. 

"The second challenge that we are seeing in the Christian bargain area is that there is far less product available than there used to be," he added. "The demand for Christian bargain books is still high. But due to the economy, less books are being sold, and therefore returned to the publishers. This fact puts us in a position to compete with others for the bargain books that become available."

Bloom said that some Christian publishers have started partnering with secular online sellers to have their returns and overstocks sold direct to the public via Amazon.com. Bloom added that he was not concerned about the impact of e-books—the fastest-growing sector in the publishing industry—on the Christian bargain book market. 

Steve Slack Jr.—president of SAS & Associates, which sold its assets, including IVBS, to Bloom—told Christian Retailing that the remainders market "remains strong" in light of the pressures of the downturned economy.  

"I think it stands to be affected in the long run based on the potential decline in the number of books that are published," he added. "As far as demand goes, I think there is still a strong demand for remainders in the Christian community today. I think as long as the titles are available, there will always be readers out there looking to get their hands on an actual book and looking for a deal."

Bloom said IVBS is "pushing ahead at full steam" for the January show. The new event—open to domestic and international stores—will be held at the Renaissance Concourse Atlanta Airport Hotel in Atlanta, just prior to the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in the city, Jan. 12-19. 

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