The Android version of the Charisma News app—which includes the Christian Retailing mobile channel—unexpectedly stopped working June 12. The good news is our programmers worked tirelessly to rectify the problem and got the app back up and running within 24 hours.

However, all Android users will need to update their app in the Play Store order for it to start working again. Please also be advised that you may notice diminished performance and at times experience glitches in the photos displaying properly or in the entire article being displayed.

Professional buyer registration is up more than 10% for the 2014 International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) from the comparable period last year, CBA said ahead of the June 22-25 convention.

“We have been working hard on developing new approaches to programming and new training that is directly relevant to what the industry is facing today,” CBA President Curtis Riskey said.

CBA pointed to the industry’s 2.9% collective increase in sales, noted in the organization’s recent study, as a possible contributor to the rise in registrations.

The convention will be held at Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. For more information, visit christianretailshow.com.

Robert Spooner Galerie will hold a “Guess the Number” contest in the company’s booth at the International Christian Retail Show next week in Atlanta.

All customers will receive an entry with their show order, and the closest guess wins $500 in retail product. See booth #543 for details.

To learn about other drawings, specials and discounts, see the July issue of Christian Retailing magazine available at the show’s Charisma Media booth, #1151.

Christian Brands, a multi-brand gift importing firm focused on inspirational gifts and tabletop and wall art since 1948, has announced a promotion for industry veteran Brian Schroeder. With more than fifteen years of industry experience, Schroeder now fills the role of vice president of sales and marketing.

Schroeder has a significant marketing and sales background, including eight years at Roman where he served as its regional sales manager and contributed to the commercial success of the company’s best-selling gift lines.

The late Albert David Maslia will be named the GHTA/Gift for Life Honor of Excellence recipient at the fifth annual ICON HONORS celebration Thursday, July 10, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis. Christian retailers will recognize him as the face of AmericasMart, one who guided newcomers in navigating the famed Atlanta gift show.

At Maslia's April 9 passing, he was managing director of retail services for AmericasMart Atlanta. He was also a veteran retailer, having begun his long career at Rich’s Department Store and later going on to found the highly successful Linen Loft and Social Expressions specialty-store chains. The GHTA/Gift for Life Honor of Excellence is named by independent action of the judges, at their sole discretion and initiation, from the field of achievement nominees.

Nazareth Secret, a family-owned and -operated company with a growing line of products from the historic city of Nazareth, Israel, will exhibit at the International Christian Retail Show, June 22-25 in Atlanta. All Nazareth Secret products are now available to retailers across North America through specialty food-fulfillment company Distribution 2000.

The company’s product line, including Honey, Dates & Halva Spread and Herbal Tea, will be available to taste at Goodknight Sales booth #1234. Nazareth Secret's line of handcrafted candles also will be on display.

Abbey Press’ latest kitchenware collection offers gift shops a way to add bright color to their shelves this summer, while providing customers with ways to celebrate faith and family.

“Blooming Blessings” features coordinating kitchen items with meaningful sentiments and Scripture verses. Retailers may wish to point customers to the collection for gifts for housewarmings and weddings.