How can I say this gracefully? Stop being ordinary! The first step to breaking out of the ordinary and starting your own creative revolution can begin with four specific ideas (remember that I'm speaking to manufacturers, publishers and retailers):

1. Form your own CSI department, and find out what makes other stores or operations so successful. Take pains to observe and understand nuances from the front lines. Too busy to spend time in the field or read about other successes? Think again.

"Legacy's approach to business has always been to treat everyone we work with-retailer, vendor and sales representative-as partners in a shared endeavor," said Timothy Cross, vice president of sales & contracts at Legacy. "This new working relationship with Dicksons is a natural progression in that business model."

CPI introduces ‘Art Glass Sentiments'

Allendale, Mich.-based Creative Products Inc. (CPI) introduces a new line of framed art this month. "Art Glass Sentiments" are inspirational pieces featuring hand-made glass medallions, including crosses or hearts, and a quote. Thirty pieces, which include Grace, Serenity and Faith, are available, and six of them feature scripture.

Jeff Ray, national sales and marketing manager, Dicksons
www.dicksonsgifts.com

Why is bereavement a growing category? "We as Christians need to be compassionate, yet encouraging to those experiencing loss. I feel like over the last 18 to 24 months, there has been more thinking about our mortality. This is not that unusual during times like we are in economically, spiritually and socially."

List based on sales data for June 1-30, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

See our Top 100 Gifts list in the June 8 issue of the Inspirational Gift Trends magazine.

Got article ideas or feedback and comments on things you have read in Christian Retailing or Inspirational Gift Trends magazines? If so, take a few minutes out of your time to visit with members of the editorial team, who will be on hand at the magazines' booth (#1814) at the International Christian Retail Show, Monday-Wednesday, July 13-15, 2-3 p.m.

July 8-15
The Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market
AmericasMart Atlanta
Atlanta, Ga.
404-220-3000
www.americasmart.com

July 12-15
International Christian Retail Show
Colorado Convention Center
Denver, Colo.
800-252-1950
www.christianretailshow.com

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"But in your hearts set Christ apart as holy [and acknowledge Him] as Lord. Always be ready to give a logical defense to anyone who asks you to account for the hope that is in you, but do it courteously and respectfully." (1 Pet. 3:15, Amplified Bible)