Winners of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best awards will be announced Tuesday, June 24, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta. Todd Starnes, author of God Less America (Charisma House, May) and host of the “FOX News & Commentary” daily radio show, will present the 2014 awards, Tuesday, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., at the show floor’s Creative Pavilion stage at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Christian Retailing magazine, sponsor of the awards, invites all ICRS attendees to attend the free-of-charge awards presentation.

Winners of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best awards will be announced Tuesday, June 24, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta. Todd Starnes, author of God Less America (Charisma House, May) and host of the “FOX News & Commentary” daily radio show, will present the 2014 awards, Tuesday, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., at the show floor’s Creative Pavilion stage at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Christian Retailing magazine, sponsor of the awards, invites all ICRS attendees to attend the free-of-charge awards presentation.

MercyMe released new album Welcome to the New (Fair Trade Services/Provident Distribution) ahead of a flurry of media and tour stops. Prior to appearing April 22 on the TODAY Show with a performance of the album’s first single, “Shake,” the GRAMMY-nominated, Dove Award-winning band plans to visit several key markets during street week to promote the new album. The “Shake” music video has been viewed more than 1 million times on various video platforms.

The band plans to greet fans at LifeWay stores at each tour stop, in addition to performing live on area television and radio stations in markets such as Nashville, St. Louis, Atlanta, Dallas and Houston.

Zondervan’s “Circle Maker” products have sold 1 million copies. Since the December 2011 release of New York Times best-selling author Mark Batterson’s The Circle Maker: Praying Circles Around Your Biggest Dreams and Greatest Fears, the franchise has expanded to include the companion book, Draw the Circle, and several supplemental journals, guides and DVDs.

“We are thrilled for Mark to have reached this level of sales,” said David Morris, vice president and publisher of Zondervan nonfiction trade books. “We’re honored to have helped make this simple yet powerful stance on prayer available to so many readers, and look forward to continued impact.”

Christian retailer Danni Schneidt-Hill is looking to appeal to all kinds of moms with the gifts on offer for Mother’s Day. The owner of Promises "His" Coffee & Cottage Shoppe in Malta, Mont., says Mother's Day is “all about lifestyle” at her store.  

“Whether it's busy on-the-run moms, or a little more laid-back, enjoying-life type mom, our garden section is about ready to explode!” she said, referring to the array of products available. “We sell the usual flags, door mats, yard stakes and so on. This year we are adding indoor/outdoor floral chair pillows, light throws to throw over your shoulders for that early morning devo time on the patio with fresh brewed coffee. It's about celebrating moms and God's great beauty. 

Heaven Is for Real is experiencing a revival of sorts, having returned to the No. 1 spot on the New York Times Paperback Nonfiction list. First released in November 2010, the Thomas Nelson title has been on the list for 176 consecutive weeks and now has reached the top of the best-seller list for the weeks of April 6 and April 13 just as a major motion picture based on the book is set to release April 16.

“It’s been a joy to watch this little story quietly sneak into the hearts of readers and encourage people at every stage of life: children, parents and grandparents,” said Joel Kneedler of Alive Communications, literary agent for Todd Burpo. “Only God could orchestrate that from one simple story. I’m grateful to see the book reach No. 1 again.”

Demdaco recently announced the extension of its licensing contract with Willow Tree artist Susan Lordi through 2020. Willow Tree line is now in its 14th year.

“Sue is someone who has not lost sight of her line,” Demdaco owner Dave Kiersznowski said. “She is steadfast in her insistence on focusing on the art of Willow Tree. Since its beginning, she has subtly changed and evolved the line with pieces carved in the round, color variations and carving details. We are so excited to explore where Sue wants to take the brand over the coming years. It’s a delight to be a part of her beautiful work.”