How can I say this gracefully? You aren't distinctive enough!

Knowing the value of taking field trips to see what is going on at other companies, I visited the busiest store in Colorado, the local Apple Store. It's the middle of summer and in the middle of the recession, and this store is wall-to-wall with shoppers.

Click here to view a PowerPoint about the company's nondenominational, kid-friendly Bible trading cards, including its new Series B cards. The cards' 3-D images tell the stories of the Bible, including the six days of creation, Jacob's dream and Samson's revenge, among many others, and feature historical timelines.

Founded this year by Andrew BeauChamp and Angela Dalby, the independent, nonprofit NARB aims to unify and organize retail professionals who desire to further their careers and/or educations in the retail buying, selling, planning or product development fields. Through formal and informal educational programs, roundtable discussions and networking events, NARB will contribute to the professional growth of its members.

Annual membership rate for individuals is $60. For more information, visit www.narbuyers.org.

Dove of Peace, which retails for $34, is made of weather-proof handcast stone with a hook on the back for hanging indoors or out. It comes gift-boxed and is made in the U.S.

See the company's online catalog here. To order, call 800-225-1178, or call the sales rep for your area.

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

Aug. 8-11
San Francisco International Gift Fair
Moscone Center
San Francisco, Calif.
213-430-2300
www.sfigf.com

Aug. 9-12
Canadian Gift & Tableware Association Fall 2009 Gift Show
Toronto International Centre and the Toronto Congress Centre
Toronto, Canada
800-611-6100
www.cgta.org

"Be sure your windows or up-front exposed product is not too frilly or girly. Make the guys feel comfortable walking in. Have a section that really speaks to them. One of the items I found men really liked when I brought it in was the P. Graham Dunn knife display. Dicksons has a nice line of leather desk accessories. Cards that appeal to men are good to have for men's Bible study groups-like the Max Lucado line from DaySpring. Have a gift area than can depend on being the ‘men's gift section.' Have specials that are just for them."

Geni Hulsey
President
Church Bookstore Network

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