"We are very excited to offer a deep selection of Christian e-books, while also providing an e-reading platform in the CBD Reader that gives our customers the ability to read on devices they already own," CBD President Ray Hendrickson said. "Instead of purchasing another expensive electronic device, our customers can read on their desktop and laptop computers as well as many popular mobile devices and dedicated e-readers like the (Barnes & Noble) nook and Sony Reader."

Mullett began his career at the Christian division of Warner Bros. Records, worked with start-up companies such as musicforce.com, launched Nashville WinePress magazine and most recently led the marketing of the Gift Book division at Thomas Nelson-where he received the company's Star Award.

A recent graduate of Union University, Cadenhead founded and promotes The Basilica Review, an online Christian literary journal.

Mullett and Cadenhead join marketing specialist Ashley Schneider and Katie Bond, a publishing publicity veteran who formerly worked for Peachtree Publishers and WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. Bond has been promoted to publicity manager after three years with Thomas Nelson Fiction.

In his new position, Dennis--who has worked for 20 years for Crossway--will oversee the company's operations, digital media, sales and marketing, and the Good News tract division.

Meanwhile, Allan Fisher has been promoted from senior vice president of book publishing to the new position of senior vice president, book publisher. In his new role, Fisher--who has worked for five years for Crossway--will oversee the company's trade and academic book publishing program, including content development for the ESV Bible and related resources.

In addition, Ray Elliott has been promoted to the position of executive director of media architecture. Elliott has served Crossway in the areas of information technology and media for more than 25 years, including the development of the software used to automate the typesetting for the ESV Study Bible and other ESV Bible editions.

Additionally, Dane Ortlund recently joined Crossway as senior editor of the Crossway Bible division, and will oversee the development of content for ESV Bible editions and resources. Mark Hendrie also recently joined Crossway as director of information technology. Hendrie has served a number of companies in the areas of information technology and software development, including David C. Cook.

Wheaton location established with South Africa-based partner

Industry leaders are praising Tyndale House Publishers’ plans to open a new Christian bookstore in Wheaton, Ill., this month in a joint venture with South Africa-based Christian Publishing Company (CPC)—comprised of Christian Art Gifts and CUM Books.

To be located in an existing building in a shopping center, the 5,000-square-foot Johnsen & Taylor Bookstore is named in honor of Chris Johnsen, who founded Christian Art Gifts of South Africa and is owner of CPC, and Kenneth Taylor—founder of Carol Stream, Ill.-based Tyndale House.

Tyndale—which was recognized with CBA’s Channel Champion Award for its support of Christian stores at June’s International Christian Retail Show in St. Louis—joins a small group of Christian product industry suppliers with retail operations too.

Biblica seeks buyer for distribution division to ‘build on success’

STL Distribution North America (STLD), the second largest Christian products distributor, has been put up for sale.

The owners are looking for a possible purchaser for the Elizabethton, Tenn.-based wholesaler as part of “an ongoing strategic review of our ministry operations,” said Doug Lockhart, CEO of Biblica, North America, when he announced the move in August.

Dating back almost 40 years and with annual revenues of around $40 million, STLD is smaller than Spring Arbor, part of the Ingram Content Group.

Days prior to the disclosure of the hunt for a buyer, STLD unveiled plans for a $1 million-plus print on demand investment—which President Glenn Bailey said would not be affected by the proposed divestiture.

An emphasis on helping their community is bearing fruit for some retailers

A “service first” emphasis is bearing fruit for stores reaching out beyond their four walls to to their community.

Though efforts such as providing hospitality tents at festivals and fundraising for pro-life ministries and health clinics are not gimmicks to increase traffic, they have helped the businesses by raising their local profile and generating goodwill—and in some cases led to more sales.

Other ways  include partnering with local businesses in cross-promotions and even hosting a biker’s wedding.

“Community outreach and ministry is definitely a key differentiator when considering a local Christian store versus general market competitors,” CBA Executive Director Curtis Riskey told Christian Retailing.

No-cost access for ‘Holman Christian Standard Study Bible,’ fiction ads for video war games

B&H Publishing Group’s major new Holman Christian Standard (HCS) Study Bible will also be available online free when it goes on sale this month.

With print prices ranging from $49.99 to $150, the contents of the 2,000-plus-page study edition of the Holman Christian Standard Study Bible can also be found at www.mystudybible.com, with additional B&H resources also available for access there.