Georgia store 'intentional' in opening mall kiosk, which showcases personalization service and 'Christian bookstore presence'

Calling the venture "an experiment," longtime Christian retailers in Valdosta, Ga., have expanded to a local mall with hopes of increasing traffic to their brick-and-mortar location.

Cherie and Tom Gregory—owners of The Potter's House Parable Christian Store for 31 years—opened a kiosk at the Valdosta Mall in September. 

Showcasing gift company P. Graham Dunn's laser-engraving system, the kiosk features a catalog with different products that customers can choose from, including keychains, magnets, ornaments, pens, cutting boards and knives. The kiosk also features some books and items that are available at the 10,000-square-foot store, located several miles away.

"We're hoping to draw customers here to the big store, which is about 10-15 minutes away," Cherie Gregory told Christian Retailing. "It's really an experiment. It's been an interesting experience. We've had to train four new employees."

Effort by group of California retailers is focused on growing 'successful customers,' not sales

A group of California retailers is launching a Bible reading campaign among customers that it hopes is picked up by other stores across the country.

The Gospel Challenge, starting Jan. 1, is the brainchild of Brian Hill, co-owner of Lighthouse Christian Supply in Dublin, who was inspired to encourage shoppers to read God's Word more after attending The Munce Group's fall trade show in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

There he heard author Jim George speak about how stores' success was dependent on how successful their customers were, "by which he meant their spiritual success, if they are growing spiritually and in their relationship with Christ." That "started me thinking maybe we need to redefine our purpose," Hill said. 

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.