Retailers see sales, 'new faces and great fellowship' during Oct. 23 event

Retailers, suppliers and organizers of the first national Christian Store Day lauded the initiative "a success" as 475 stores took part in the special event.

With a tag line of "Celebrate Faith and Community," Christian Store Day was held Oct. 23 with the goal of enthusing current consumers, drawing back former customers and attracting new shoppers.

"We are very pleased with the initial event and believe that it will build momentum in future years to raise awareness of Christian stores, the needs they serve and fulfill and their role in the community to lift up and honor Christ," CBA Executive Director Curtis Riskey told Christian Retailing. Christian Store Day was "an opportunity to demonstrate the power of ministry and the impact of working together."

More than 100 books, CDs and DVDs were made available for sale as $5, $10 and half-price specials, with vendors who supported the effort also provided free products for giveaways for the event—modeled after the successful Record Store Day that has championed independent music retailers in the past few years. 

Stores, suppliers 'optimistic' with forecasts  for a good Christmas

Although the recession is still impacting shoppers, Christian retailers, suppliers and publishers are hoping for a little merrier holiday season this year.

Several are expecting an increase in Christmas sales over 2009—which yielded mixed results for the retail industry as the downturned economy, double-digit unemployment and a major winter storm hampered 
business. 

Meanwhile, the National Retail Federation (NRF) has predicted that Christmas sales will rise 2.3% to $447.1 billion, about $10 billion more than last year. 

'Multisensory' tours are a 'foreshadowing' of the digital era

An influx of new-look live events twinning music and speaking is being welcomed by industry leaders as "foreshadowing" how consumers will engage with content in the digital era. 

Observers say the idea of putting authors and musicians together—is "an innovative way" to connect with Christian audiences in a relevant manner, while driving product sales to the Christian retail channel. 

Among those taking part in the events is Max Lucado, whose latest Thomas Nelson book—Outlive Your Life: You Were Made to Make a Difference—debuted on the New York Times Hardcover Advice best-seller list in October. 

Lucado spoke during the Make A Difference Tour 2010, for which sponsors included World Vision, Thomas Nelson and AEG Live. The tour—which also featured Michael W. Smith, TobyMac, Jason Gray and Third Day—hit 20 cities from late September through the end of October. 

Meanwhile, best-selling author Donald Miller joined artists Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken and the Robbie Seay Band for the "Love Tells The Story Tour" this fall. The tour, touted as "a rare night of music, art and storytelling," was to make stops in 10 southern and eastern cities last month.

Property exemption challenge seen as crucial to future of church-based retail

A church bookstore in Nashville is at the center of a legal battle being viewed as a major test case for religious freedom.

Authorities have ruled that For His Glory Bookstore at Christ Church is not eligible for property tax exemption and owes a portion of $350,000 in dues dating back to 2004.

Leaders have warned that if the ruling—under appeal—is upheld, it could set a significant precedent for church bookstores and other church ministries not only in Tennessee, but also in other parts of the country.

The dispute has turned the judicial spotlight on a church founded in 1949 that has grown to a present-day membership of around 3,000 with a wide range of ministries in its south Nashville community.

Operating a book table from its earliest days, the church established a proper store and café in 2004 as part of a new family life center with a fitness center. But its application for property tax exemption for the facilities was turned down.

Anniversary and new launch plans offer promotional push

With an anniversary, a rebirth and a launch, the next year is shaping up to be a major one for the Bible market.

Publishers are preparing big promotional efforts for the events, which themselves follow an active season of new editions and formats.

Thomas Nelson leads the way, this month kicking of a 400-day celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publishing of the King James Version (KJV), in 1611.

The leading publisher of the KJV and copyright holder of the New King James Version (NKJV), the Nashville-based company is releasing special commemorative editions of the KJV—priced from $49.99 to $119.99—and books telling the story of the first English translation of the Scripture.

Retailers and suppliers welcome new connections with young adult consumers

Christian retailers and suppliers are using unconventional methods to tap into the next generation—seen as "vital" for the faith-based product industry's future.

They are connecting with the young adult market through social media networking, street teams that promote brand marketing and a twentysomething entrepreneur who champion Christian retail.

CBA Chairman George Thomsen said of the younger generation that "they are tomorrow's parents and customers." "Investing time and resources in them makes sense, and will pay dividends."

Category pioneer Carol Johnson honored by writers' group for her work in 'generating shelf space'

There was a party atmosphere when more than 600 people gathered to focus on Christian publishing's hot category in Indianapolis, but it wasn't all play.

Best-selling authors, agents and leading editors passed on advice in 50 workshops for aspiring writers at the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACF) annual conference, Sept. 17-20. Themed "Serving Him in Word and Deed," the event offered classes on topics from writing basics and self-editing to marketing and publishing business essentials.

The record attendance—up 20% despite the continuing economic challenges—came in the wake of news of increased sales for inspirational fiction and widespread general media interest in the genre that now ranges from Amish romance to murder mysteries.

New offerings on heaven and hell titles target people 'fascinated' with eternal subjects

Publishers continue to release and market titles on the afterlife as interest on the topic show no signs of dying.

This month, Thomas Nelson releases Heaven is for Real: A Little Boy's Astounding Story of His Trip to Heaven and Back by Nebraska pastor Todd Burpo with Lynn Vincent. In the book, Burpo recounts the near-death experience of his 4-year-old son, Colton, who began surprising his parents with detailed accounts of Jesus, places described in the Scriptures and departed relatives, including meeting his sister in heaven—a girl lost in a miscarriage before he was born.

The book follows the July release by Tyndale House Publishers of The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven—co-authored by Kevin Malarkey. The book details the story of Malarkey's 6-year-old son, Alex, whose skull was detached from his spinal column in a car accident. While comatose, the boy says that he experienced God's voice, otherworldly music and heaven's gates.

Survey points to need to make the most of digital opportunities

Christian publishers have been urged to make sure that they are investing in enough new blood to make the most of the digital revolution.

The caution comes from their trade association in the wake of survey results that revealed limited opportunities for newcomers.

Almost two-thirds of companies surveyed by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) cut staff last year, while another study by the group found that around only one in 10 employees had been in the industry for less than five years. More than 40% had 20-plus years' experience.

Adaptation of Karen Kingsbury novel praised by film critics, sparks 'Demand It' social-media campaign

Like Dandelion Dust—based on the 2006 Center Street novel by New York Times best-selling author Karen Kingsbury—created a media buzz with its adoption topic and acting performances hailed by critics, when it was released in theaters in September.

Starring Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino, Golden Globe nominee Barry Pepper and introducing child actor Maxwell Perry Cotton, Like Dandelion Dust (LDD) centers on the battle between adoptive and birth parents over a 6-year-old boy.

Bobby Downes—co-producer of the independent film with his brother, Kevin—told Christian Retailing that although the movie debuted in only 25 theaters Sept. 24, it was "on track," adding 36 more screens the following weekend.