Event was ‘a great encouragement,’ as marketing group's show receives boost from Episcopalians

Despite a continuing challenging economy, Christian Product Expo (CPE) Murfreesboro 2012 saw an increase in retailer and supplier attendance compared to last year’s Munce Group fall show. More than 400 retailers and vendors attended the ninth annual CPE, held Sept. 16-18 at the Embassy Suites Murfreesboro hotel and conference center in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

“We were up by about 25 retailers and 15 vendors,” Munce Group President Kirk Blank told Christian Retailing. “That’s about a 10% increase this year from last year. … Although stores voiced concerns about the economy and negativity related to the presidential election, the tone was more about what independents can do and will do to remain effective, relevant and profitable.

“Vendors and retailers were genuinely interested in working together in this difficult economy and were wholeheartedly engaged in business and ministry, while moving forward to serve the Lord,” he added.

The show received an attendance boost from the Episcopal Booksellers Association (EBA), which moved its annual meeting to CPE Murfreesboro from its long-term home at the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (RBTE) to lower the cost of attendance, provide access to specialized training and offer buyers access to a broader variety of books and gifts. The Episcopalians had met at the venue of RBTE, the majority Roman Catholic trade show, since EBA’s inception in 1997.

“It has been a draining year,” said Martha Melling, owner of Community Christian Store in Summerville, S.C. “We needed the encouragement and information.”

Suppliers also saw positive business.

“CPE is always a home run for us,” said Larry Avery, a sales representative for Zondervan. “We wrote more business here [at CPE] than any other convention.”

In addition to a time management/planning workshop and Bible version training presented by Tyndale House Publishers, the event's Bible conference featured author Ann Spangler (The One Year Devotions for Women, Tyndale House Publishers) and GRAMMY-nominated singer Kim Hill.

“We love seeing the vendors and experiencing the quality education [from the workshops], the encouragement from the Bible conference, and the lodging and meals are outstanding,” said Ginny Lagergren, owner of The Lighthouse Christian bookstore in La Junta, Colo.

Sonya Higgs, owner of Christian Book & Gift Shop in Greeneville, Tenn., added: “This was a great first experience. Everyone was so welcoming and helpful, and I was rejuvenated spiritually.”

Besides Bookstore Manager training, retailer-led workshops included increasing sales through fair trade, church supplies, social media, lifestyle shopping, thrift stores, Bible and reference, and Messianic resources.

Rob Morgan, pastor and author of Then Sings My Soul (Howard Books), spoke during the Night of Worship, which featured new artist Kyle Sherman (RaeLynn Records/Provident Distribution). Among the main speakers at the event were Max Lucado and Charles Stanley. Attendees also enjoyed a screening of the film Unconditional.

“The sharing of ideas and encouragement with other stores is so wonderful—as is the spiritual uplift from artists and authors,” said Trisha Taylor, owner of Cornerstone Christian Supply in Cheyenne, Wyo. “I look forward all year to CPE.”

Richard Magnuson, owner of Harbor House Christian Store in Chariton, Iowa, agreed.

“CPE was a great encouragement to us. It gave us fresh ideas and good contacts,” he said.

Mark Schoepke, owner of Tree of Life Christian Outlets and Stores in Oregon and Washington, was the grand-prize winner of a cash-prize drawing, taking home $1,500.

Munce emphasizes order-writing at CPE by motivating retailers with a reimbursement program that helps to offset travel, food and hotel expenses, based on reaching order-writing goals. Marking its 20th anniversary in 2011, the marketing group has nearly 500 stores nationwide in its membership.

Munce's winter show, CPE Hershey will be held Jan. 20-22, 2013, returning to the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pa. The show will feature best-selling Love Languages author Gary Chapman as keynote speaker. The event was moved to the new Lancaster County Convention Center in Lancaster, Pa., earlier this year, but the distance from the airport and other factors led Munce back to Hershey.

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