 Virtual winter show highlights ‘what’s new and hot’ from leading suppliers with ‘unique platform’
Christian Retailing magazine is helping stores set themselves well for the new year with its fifth online exhibition. The Virtual Christian Retailing Winter Show, running Jan. 1 through March 15, 2011, highlights some of the key new and backlist products from around 30 leading suppliers. “Many retailers cannot afford the expense of traveling to regional trade shows,” said Christian Retailing Publisher Dave Condiff. “But they all still want to know what’s new, what’s hot and what’s on sale, so this offers retailers the opportunity to discover this information without leaving their home or office. ” In addition to promoting major releases and presenting details at their virtual “booths,” the exhibitors are also offering links to their Web sites and catalogs. Their presentations will be supplemented by free Webinars and interviews with retailers and suppliers on trends regarding the Christian product industry. The winter focus follows last summer’s Virtual Christian Retailing Show, which featured more than 30 suppliers—including Thomas Nelson, Tyndale House Publishers, Baker Publishing Group and David C. Cook. Previous virtual shows have attracted 5,500 visits from more than 3,000 unique visitors in 64 countries. “Stores love the ability to discover new suppliers in this format,” Condiff said. “There has been plenty of interest from stores internationally whenever we host a virtual show.” Carpentree Marketing Manager Sherry Morris called the virtual show a great way to keep the pioneer gift supplier “front of mind” with its customers. “We gained new contacts as well as orders from existing ones,” she said. “Retailers need a variety of ways to purchase. The virtual show is another way to offer retailers a no-cost means of finding their favorite suppliers.” Lighthouse Christian Products Vice President of Sales Ed Nizynski agreed. “It is a new and unique platform for companies to expose and introduce themselves to new potential retailers all over the world,” he said. “We are in an option society. People want their burger the way they want it. “That’s why the virtual show is important to our company,” Nizynski added. “We want to give everyone the option to see our products, learn about our company and to work with us in every way possible.” He noted that each virtual show Lighthouse has participated in “yielded positive results.” “It’s not all initially measurable, but by being able to view visitors of the virtual show and our company’s Web site, we have been pleased and look forward to the next one,” he said. Visit vcrs.christianretailing.com to learn more about the Virtual Christian Retailing Winter Show.
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