Should Christian retailers get involved in the growing pet products market? Why or why not?

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June 3
Market Wednesday
AmericasMart Atlanta
Atlanta, Ga.
800-ATL-MART (285-6278)
www.americasmart.com

"Just because something doesn't have a verse on it doesn't make it bad or not worthy of having or giving. A candle with a verse is still just a candle. It is the intent of the gift and the manner (in which) it is given that makes a gift ‘Christian.' "

Kelly Graham, co-manager, Prestonwood Bookstore, Prestonwood Baptist Church, Plano, Texas (Star Store by John Draper, Inspirational Gift Trends, June 9, 2008)

1. Congregation candles

List based on sales data for March 1-31, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Since jewelry is such a broad category, what advice do you have for Christian retailers who are deciding which types and how much of jewelry to carry?
"The most important thing that I can share is that the jewelry designs that Christian retailers choose to carry need to have a strong inspirational message or symbol. When making jewelry-buying decisions, remember that fine jewelry is a very personal expression of style, and everyone's style is different. It is important not to just buy the things that you like, but to try to appeal to a variety of styles. Having a successful jewelry program requires that you re-stock the designs that are the best-sellers. Just because you have cross pendants in stock does not mean that you have the ‘best-selling' cross pendant in stock.

The necklace is engraved on the front and back with filled-in lettering in black. Psalm 23 is on the front side, and on the back, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and "I will fear no evil, for thou art with me." The cross measures 1-3/4 by 1 inch, and it comes attached to a 24-inch steel ball chain.

Suggested retail price is $29.99.

Carruth Studio introduces nativity cross plaque

Artist George Carruth's Tidings of Joy nativity plaque debuted this month from Carruth Studio. Made of hand-cast stone material with a lifetime guarantee, the plaque measures 5-by-6.5-by-1 inches and weighs 1 pound.

"This piece was inspired by images of intricately carved ivory crosses from medieval times," said Carruth, whose company has been in business for 26 years.

The plaque retails for $36.

The 2009 National Gift Basket Professional Convention will be held in Canton, Ohio, home of its host and featured speaker, Pamela Newell, owner of the Gift Basket School.