Virtual Christian Retailing Show helps gift buyers
Barbour Publishing is one of several companies offering special terms to stores in a new online service just launched by Christian Retailing magazine.

Barbour's video presentation in the Virtual Christian Retailing Show features its Sales Rescue Package. The package includes 29 new gift products and is available to stores at a 50% discount-and with free freight and 180-day billing. The products come in a corrugated display, and a display upgrade is available for 2010 with favorable terms. Retailers who take advantage of the Sales Rescue Package can return product that is not sold, free of charge.

The Web-based virtual show involves 24 exhibitors that took part in the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), last week, presenting products and extending some special offers to buyers. Within its first couple of days online, the virtual show has had more than 500 visits.

The suppliers' virtual show presentations include links for further information on specific products, and access to company Web sites, press releases and catalogs.

Running through September, the first virtual show will also feature Webinar training for stores, with presentations so far scheduled by Carpentree on "Successful Art and Gift Sales" (Aug. 4, 2 p.m. Eastern) and Kerusso on "Keys to Apparel Sale Success" (Aug. 18, 11 a.m. Eastern).

The training sessions will be recorded for subsequent viewing at the site, which will also host author and artist release parties. There is also a link to a new social networking forum through which retailers and suppliers can connect for fellowship, encouragement and business.

"Not everyone is able to attend trade shows, but they want and need access to the product information and offers that are available there," said Christian Retailing Publisher Dave Condiff. "We believe that this is an innovative and cost-effective way forward for everyone."

Further virtual shows will follow, spotlighting seasonal and other special-focus selling opportunities. Stores will be able to access the information 24/7 at the Christian Retailing Web site, www.christianretailing.com, or by going directly to http://vcrs.christianretailing.com.

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