InterVarsity Press (IVP-USA) announced Friday a new distribution agreement with the Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (SPCK). IVP-USA’s stock will be available through Macmillan Distribution Limited (MDL), and SPCK will offer sales representation to key accounts and local shops in the U.K. and mainland Europe.

Previously IVP-USA was represented in Europe by InterVarsity Press in the United Kingdom (IVP-UK) through their partnership distribution program. In October, IVP-UK came under the management of SPCK and retained its current board of trustees in a newly established IVP-UK publishing board. Additionally, IVP-UK area development managers Samantha Cheddie and Julian Gittings will continue their work with existing customers under SPCK’s management.

Zondervan recently announced a new initiative to expand its interest in distance learning. To further this effort, the Zondervan Academic division has hired Kent Hendricks as marketing director of online learning.

Hendricks comes to Zondervan from Logos Bible Software, where he served for seven years. With experience in marketing and sales, Hendricks’ responsibilities with Logos included key publisher accounts, the pre-publication program and add-on books, as well as working on Logos’ core base packages. Hendricks is a graduate of Calvin College and attended Calvin Theological Seminary and Fuller Theological Seminary. As the marketing director for online learning, Hendricks will collaborate with instructors and institutions within the academy to implement Zondervan Academic online courses in both residential and online classrooms as well as marketing courses to self-learners. 

David C Cook announced Friday the acquisition of Standard Publishing’s Bible lesson commentary series, Sunday school curriculum and other church resources.

Standard Publishing traces its roots back to The Christian Standard, a periodical first published in 1866. In the decades since, Standard has created magazines, devotionals, commentaries, small-group guides and Sunday school curriculum for all ages.

Pantone announced Wednesday that, for the first time, the new Color of the Year is a blend of two shades—Rose Quartz and Serenity. Pantone says the colors demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer, embracing rose tone and the cooler, tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

Black Friday sales generated mixed results from retailers, but CLC Bookcenters reported strong sales, many driven by War Room presales.

Although many Christian retailers aren't fond of Santa, seeing jolly old St. Nick in the store with children enhances the holiday shopping experience for nearly 7 out of 10 (66 percent) U.S. shoppers, according to LoyaltyOne nationwide survey on the consumer mindset. Additionally, 76 percent of consumers said that hearing carols and other holiday music in the store enhances their Yuletide shopping trip.

The survey results also indicate that Santa’s in-store future is safe in the hands of young millennials. Seventy-one percent of consumers age 18-24 said encountering Santa in the store enriches the holiday shopping experience. That exceeds the 66 percent score for the general population (18-65 and over) and rivals the 65-and-over age group (72 percent) for the highest score among all demographics surveyed.

Chris Tomlin's name will be added to the list of legends who have stepped into Nashville's world-famous Grand Ole Opry circle when he makes his Opry debut Dec. 4. The evening will also feature performances from GRAMMY Award winners Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs and others.

For a list of additional performers or to purchase tickets, visit the Grand Ole Opry's official website, where Tomlin's new Christmas album, Adore, is currently featured.