Filling a ‘vital role’ in the Middle East, the Bible Society caters to the needs of diversified communities

Despite the global economic crunch, the head of the only Christian publishing organization in the Persian Gulf says the group is “more than surviving.”

The Bible Society in the Gulf has 16 bookstores—called Christian resource centers—in Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar as well as a Bible warehouse in Yemen. In 2003, the organization had eight centers, according to General Secretary Hrayr Jebejian.

‘Far better’ STL Distribution’s ‘Willy Wonka’ store promotion creates a buzz, bishop supports stores

A year after its sale sparked fears for the future of the Christian retail industry, the United Kingdom’s main distributor is preparing to unveil a new name.

STL Distribution, based in Carlisle, is “launching a brand new identity in the new year,” said Marketing Director Pete Barnsley.

U.K.-based Web site agrees to stop unauthorized posting of Christian books

The owner of a U.K.-based Web site has agreed to stop posting copyrighted materials of Christian books without permission—resolving a nearly seven-year legal battle by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). 

The agreement follows the ECPA’s request, on behalf of a coalition of member publishers, that the High Court of Justice in London hold Andrew Amue in contempt of court for his repeated refusal to comply with a March 2008 court order. 

Nominating the top books, Bibles, gifts, music and more

Christian retailers will soon be asked to help name the best new Christian products of the year.

They will be invited to help select the 2011 Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Awards, widely acknowledged for recognizing some of the most significant new life-changing products in the Christian retail industry.

Planned P. Graham Dunn transition brought forward following family business founder’s injury 

Gift leader Peter Dunn has handed the reins of his family-run company to the next generation.

The 64-year-old has stepped down as president, naming son, Paul, and son-in-law, Joe Knutson, as co-presidents of the Dalton, Ohio-based company known for combining an accent on rustic styles with innovation.

Ellie Claire, Summerside Press acquisitions ‘leverage strengths’

Guideposts has acquired Ellie Claire Gift & Paper Expressions and its subsidiary, Summerside Press.The two become separate divisions under Guideposts. Ellie Claire

President Carlton Garborg will serve as senior vice president of Guideposts, running both entities.

The acquisition accomplishes “two key strategic objectives,” company officials said. Guideposts, which made the announcement in November, will be able to further expand into the retail market with Summerside Press titles, as well as offer Ellie Claire journals and gift products. Secondly, Minnesota-based Ellie Claire will benefit from having New York-based Guideposts’ 2 million subscribers, 6 million book buyers and nearly 9 million online users.   

Publishers and retailers urged to make celebration of African-American heritage relevant to all

Several Christian publishers are releasing titles geared to spotlight February as Black History Month (BHM), started in 1926 by historian Carter G. Woodson to recognize the contributions of African-Americans and to celebrate their heritage. 

Industry observers say it is important for publishers and retailers to help make BHM relevant to everyone—not just the African-American community. 

California-based marketing group also launches direct-to-consumer division to help retailers ‘be digitally relevant’

The Parable Group has revealed details of its proprietary direct-mail strategy, including its average catalog response rate. The San Luis Obispo, Calif.-based marketing group has also launched a new direct-to-consumer division. 

The direct-mail disclosures followed the publication of the Direct Marketing Association’s 2010 Response Rate Trend Report, which showed that catalogs mailed to in-house lists generated an average 2.66% response rate—while Parable has seen a consistent average response rate of more than 16% over the last four years, company officials said. 

GMA posts a profit, reduces debt and sells headquarters after cash crisis ‘threatened existence’

Leaders of the threatened Gospel Music Association (GMA) say the organization is “on the right track” after posting a profit for the first time in three years, and getting ready to appoint a new leader. 

The embattled music industry group has experienced similar struggles to CBA—another financially challenged trade association that saw the departure of its longtime president and CEO, the sale of its Colorado Springs, Colo., headquarters and a reduction in staff as well as a revised mana ement model.

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. ”