New International Version was top-selling translation of the day with English Standard Version gaining ground

Baker Book House held its annual Bible sale Saturday, Nov. 22. All in-stock Bibles were marked 50% off retail. Used books $15 and under also were half-price, and Bible covers and accessories were 30% off as well.

Shoppers were spending, despite the cold weather in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Louis McBride, Bible and academic book buyer, said it was the store’s best sale ever.

“It was a record-breaking year, selling over 300 Bibles—75 more than last year,” McBride told Christian Retailing. “While most customers purchased more than one Bible, several made even larger purchases for Christmas and birthdays. One customer bought 50 Bibles, which will be used in a prison ministry. It was a fun day for both staff and customers. I can’t think of a better way to kick start the season than with selling Bibles.”

Store Manager Sue Smith concurred.

“This is one of those promotions that gains ground every year,” Smith said. “We have seen steady growth year over year, with the exception of 2012 when we were in renovation. The success of doing something like this is two-fold. It brings new customers in for the first time, and it gets the Word of God under the Christmas tree!”

Smith reported the top-selling translations for the day were the New International Version (111 sold), the English Standard Version (65 sold), the New Living Translation (36 sold) and the King James Version (31 sold). One shopper bought 50 Bibles in a single transaction.

Spanish Bibles also did well.

“Perhaps most surprising but not reflected on this list is the number of Spanish Bibles we sold,” McBride wrote on the Church Connection blog. “In years past, this section has been virtually ignored but not this year. We sold a total of 22 Spanish Bibles.” —Johnson

• Prev
• Next