Interactive technology is redefining the way consumers can shop for wall décor. Available for retailers to see firsthand this week at the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, Florida, Integra Interactive unveiled two options for stores to help shoppers visualize what wall art might look like in their homes before ever making a purchase.

My Artfully is Integra’s in-store solution to capitalize on the growth explosion of home décor as fueled by HGTV. The new kiosk shows wall décor in actual size and high resolution to consumers.

Gift vendors at the 2015 International Christian Retail Show displayed a significant quality of artistry and passion for the message that their products carry. Prayer and a commitment to God’s Word were themes the vendors got behind.

Official licensees for products based on the August film War Room, including Carpentree, DaySpring and Kerusso, debuted gift items with the theme of prayer intended to have an extended shelf life. 

A panel of children’s suppliers and experts told retailers Monday that toys can help improve their profit margin while changing children’s lives. More than 100 retailers and suppliers gathered for an interactive session at the 2015 ICRS Children’s Product Trends workshop, where panelists gave advice and asked retailers for their input too.

Panelists included Laura Minchew of HarperCollins Christian Publishing; Greg Fritz of Big Idea Enertainment; Adrienne Appell of the Toy Industry Association; retailer Charlene Wiggs of On the Third Day: The Master’s Mercantile in Pottstown, Pennsylvania; Allison Marins of the Melissa & Doug toy company; Dan Lynch of B&H Kids; and moderator Michael Turner of Send The Light Distributors (STL).

Don Olson, CEO of Virtual Storehouse and Foreign Christian Books focused on the growing trends and challenges related to foreign-born people in North America during his Monday breakout session titled “Trends for Leveraging 21st-Century Technology to Maximize Revenues.”

Now at more than 77 million, the number of foreign-born people in North America continues to increase each year, according to data cited by Olson, who sees a need to be met.

Graphic novels continue to demonstrate tremendous growth potential in the Christian retail market. This popular art form combines the Bible, literature and evangelism. A breakout training session Tuesday morning at the International Christian Retail Show aimed to address key merchandising strategies as well as to look at what’s ahead for the $1 billion market.

CEO Art Ayris of Kingstone Comics conducted the hour-long talk addressing several key areas, guiding Christian retailers in product selection, merchandising and promotion.

The dialogue at Monday morning’s ICRS General Session centered around engagement, as a panel of well-known speakers, authors and store owners talked to retailers about “Building Relationship Based on Truth.”

Youth speakers Bob Lenz and Josh McDowell joined Hobby Lobby founder and Chairman of the Board Steve Green, Sue Smith of Baker Book House and CBA President Curtis Riskey to talk about ways retailers can rise above the crowd.

Jack Scott, owner of Scott Marketing & Training, shared his store marketing expertise with Christian retailers at a Breakout Session at the 2015 International Christian Retailing Show.

First, Scott emphasized a focus on the consumer above all else. According to Scott, retailers should emphasize having a large, dedicated customer base. Not only are many customers good for business, but as far as advertisers are concerned, a store's customer base can also be its most valuable product.