| GIFT NEWS: Harvest House |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:51 AM America/New_York | |
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Harvest House gift books honored by tea magazine |
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| NEW PRODUCTS: Stationery |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:48 AM America/New_York | |
Brownlow's new ‘Soul Mates' Fort Worth, Texas-based Brownlow Gifts is adding two new designs-cheetah and paisley-to its best-selling stationery collection, "Soul Mates," this July. Each of the nine ceramic shoes available with designer notepad and pen is gift-boxed in its own "shoe box." Scripture versions of the shoes are available, with verses on the notepads.
The shoes measure 7¼-by-3-by-1¾ inches, and each notepad contains 60 sheets. "Soul Mates" retail for $14.99 each with a wholesale price of $7.50. The shoes are sold in multiples of two per design. For more information, visit www.brownlowgift.com.
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| CATEGORY COACH: Greeting Cards |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:45 AM America/New_York | |
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Brenda Turner, director of communications, DaySpring
What's new or popular today in greeting card design? "Our ‘Colors of Compassion' cards are popular because a percentage of the proceeds are donated to Compassion International and consumers like to support causes with their purchases. "DaySpring's own ‘Really Woolly' brand card designs have seen a rise in popularity with the introduction of the second DVD, The Tree of Life, this past Easter season. |
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| TOP TEN GIFTS: Jewelry |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:43 AM America/New_York | |
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1. 2009 VBS Crocodile Dock Watch for God wristband, package of 10 (Group Publishing) $5.99 2. WWJD woven bracelet (Dicksons) 99 cents 3. Plastic Cross necklace (Dicksons) 50 cents 4. Smile God Loves You hologram ring (Dicksons) 10 cents 5. Smile God Heart You rainbow block bracelet (Dicksons) $1 6. Luminous With Cross Dangle bracelet (Dicksons) 79 cents 7. 2009 VBS Crocodile Dock Fear Knot wristband, package of 10 (Group Publishing) $5.99 8. WWJD wriststrap (Christian Art Gifts) 99 cents 9. Guitar Pick necklace (Kerusso) $7.99 10. Apostles Creed bracelet (Roman) $15 List based on sales data for April 1-30, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission. |
| RETAIL REPORT: Dicksons’ renewed ‘prayer’ |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:40 AM America/New_York | |
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| INSIGHTS: Trade Shows |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:37 AM America/New_York | |
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"Reports will also show what areas have sufficient stock levels and aid in determining inventory shortages. That will enable you to manage your time at gift shows accordingly, shopping for what is truly crucial to the inventory needs." Marilyn Turnipseed, product developer and design consultant, New Creation (Wise Buys: How to Stock Your Store Effectively, Inspirational Gift Trends, Jan. 5, 2009) |
| SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Retailers Choice Awards |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:34 AM America/New_York | |
 Retailers, it is time to name your favorite gifts of the year, in Christian Retailing's 2009 Retailers Choice Awards. This is your opportunity to vote for the gifts and other products that you believe made the greatest impact on your life and the lives of your staff and customers.
Voting also puts you in line to win hundreds of dollars' worth of nominated products, absolutely free-to sell in your store, distribute or keep for yourself. You could win products such as inspirational mugs from DaySpring or God's Girlz dolls from Kerusso. Winners will be selected at random from participating stores. |
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| SHOW EVENTS |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:31 AM America/New_York | |
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May 17-20 June 3 |
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| ANSWER OF THE WEEK |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:29 AM America/New_York | |
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We asked: How can retailers increase sales of the food/drink items available in the inspirational gift market?
You responded: 1. Host tastings-they may be cute, but if they aren't tasty, nothing will happen. Pam McFarlin |
| QUESTION OF THE WEEK |
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| Written by Christine D. Johnson | |
| Wednesday, 13 May 2009 11:28 AM America/New_York | |
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How can stores capitalize on Father's Day to generate return traffic?
Let us know your thoughts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. |
The Tea House Times Seal of Approval has been awarded to three gift books from Harvest House Publishers: An Invitation to Tea by Emilie Barnes and artist Sandy Lynam Clough; Tea With a Twist by Lisa Boalt Richardson with photography by Lauren Rubinstein; and Take a Little Time for Tea by Kathy Hatch. The Tea House Times credited the publisher for consistently producing "excellent quality books." 
"Cards with sound and recordable cards continue to play a big role in today's Christian card designs. This year, DaySpring is introducing ‘Big Time Sound' cards to our ‘Everyday' and ‘Seasonal' lines. These are oversized cards that make a bold, fun statement for any occasion.
"The ‘I Said a Prayer for You Today' sentiment has been a traditional best-seller for Dicksons Gifts over the last several years. We felt that the design was ready for an update more in line with today's trends. Initial sales results show this product being very well-received by the retailers as well as the targeted consumers.
"In preparation for gift markets and trade shows, generate a sales report to determine best-sellers and declines in subcategories so that open-to-buy will be spent wisely, freeing up inventory dollars in the clearance of poor performers.