We asked: With the economic environment causing many people to rethink their priorities, tighten their financial belts and choose to spend more time at home-with some even taking a "staycation" instead of traveling-how can Christian gift retailers meet the need for family-oriented games and activities?

"Historically, board game and card game sales do well in recessions for the following reasons:

• Families are staying home more.
• Families view board games and card games as inexpensive repeat entertainment.
• Families tend to pull together and devote more time to family activities. Board games and card games are excellent for family together time.
• "The above trend is holding true for Cactus Game Design. So far, our sales are up 12% over last year, and we are picking up momentum going into Christmas.

"Some of the things a Christian retailer can do to benefit from this trend and serve their customers are:

• Feature a game table in the front of the store encouraging a Family Game Night. The chains, such as Family, Lifeway and Mardel, already do this. They do it because it works.
• If stores want to be a destination point, then they need to have events. One of the best events for a store is a game day on Saturday where people come in and demo games. A number of stores host Redemption Trading Card Game Tournaments on Saturday to encourage traffic and sales-these work. Secular game stores could not survive if they did not host gaming events in their stores."

Rob Anderson
President
Cactus Game Design

"Set up a game or floor puzzle in a highly visible location of the store. Actually, if you have a front window, that's a perfect location. If passers-by see a couple of preschoolers and a mom playing a game or putting together a floor puzzle, that will definitely attract attention. Have product stacked adjacent to the play site to encourage impulse buys.

"Also, ask vendors what family/children's online games and activities they offer. Provide links on your Web site. This allows you to offer activities at no cost to your customers. Let customers know about these Web additions using bag-stuffers or e-blasts."

Mary Manz Simon
Author and children's market expert

"We at Lighthouse Christian Products Company have designed a couple of items that are appropriate, inexpensive and fun for families at Christmas, especially during these economic times.

"As we approach Christmas, those times of family fun-even on a budget-become even more important. They help build family memories that children and parents alike remember for a lifetime.

"Christmas is a time to develop family devotional times. Our Christmas Scripture Card Holder features 25 Scripture cards, one for each day of December. The cards take families through the prophecies and the events of Jesus' birth. They feature devotional thoughts and family activities. Families can serve their neighbors, play games, learn about Christmas in another country, sing Christmas carols and go through the gospel message-together.

"What else do people associate with Christmas? Well, one thing is cookies. We offer a Christmas Cookie Cutter set that features a cookie cutter for each important aspect of the Christmas story, from the Baby Jesus to the star. As families make batches of cookies, they can also remember the Christmas story. On the reverse side of the wrapper, they'll find a key Bible verse and a short devotional note for each cookie cutter.

"Your customers don't need to go on an expensive trip. Help them create those family times that will draw them closer together."

Ed Nizynski
Vice president-sales
Lighthouse Christian Products Co.

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