Demdaco has added new showroom locations at World Market Center Las Vegas in order to add a West Coast presence to the company's showroom offerings. Along with its popular Willow Tree brand, Demdaco collections include "Be Still," "Answered Prayers" and "By Faith."

With the addition of Demdaco's Big Sky Carvers and its Las Vegas showroom, Demdaco relocated and expanded its World Market Center space to accommodate all of its offerings and added a separate room for the Silvestri brand. Both new rooms (C-944 and C-907) will open during the Gift+Home show, Aug. 2-6. The rooms total 13,000 square feet and house Demdaco, Willow Tree, Silvestri and Big Sky Carvers.

Russ Berrie U.S. Gift has signed a multi-year commitment with World Market Center Las Vegas. A leader in juvenile products and gifts, including Thomas Kinkade, Russ will be located in the 9,000-square-foot C-796 for the Las Vegas Market, Aug. 2-6, awaiting the build-out of their new permanent home/showroom, joining its other corporate showrooms in Chicago, Atlanta, Seattle and Los Angeles.

June retail sales excluding auto purchases were down compared to sales from the previous month, although the monthly figures from the Department of Commerce reported modest growth over June 2009, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) said.

Overall retail sales declined 0.6% in June, but went up 5% over sales in June 2009. Retail sales excluding auto and auto part sales slipped 0.1% in June, but showed gains of 4.4% over the previous year. Department store sales grew by 1.1%, while home improvement, home furnishing and sporting goods retailers all saw declines of 1% or more.

"Although there is no question that the economy and the retail industry are in a considerably better place today than a year ago, retailers continue to face strong economic headwinds, limiting the industry's short-term growth," said RILA President Sandy Kennedy. "Persistent high unemployment continues to drag down retail sales further dampening hopes of meaningful near-term growth.

New gift book promotes Christian hospitality

Author Sandy Coughlin encourages women to offer hospitality in their homes, whether they feel capable or not, in her new book, The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman's Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality (Bethany House/Baker Publishing Group), releasing in August.

Coughlin, who began blogging on the subject when she saw that many women felt inadequate or too intimidated to entertain, sees hospitality as "the simplicity of making a person feel warm and welcome," she said.

New Day offers Christian retail exclusive for kids

New Day Christian Distributors is now introducing Zoobie Pets to Christian retail stores with an exclusive, Lyric the Lamb, a three-in-one toy, pillow and blanket for children.

Velcro latches are easily unfastened to transform the pet into a soft pillow, and zippers unzip to reveal the blanket inside. The blanket can be detached for washing.

The full scripture of Is. 40:11 is included on Lyric's collar.

Lyric the Lamb retails for $29.99. For more information or to order, visit www.newdaychristian.com or call 800-251-3633.

1. Candle Bible for Toddlers Bible Memory Game

List based on sales data for June 1-30, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

July 22-28
The Chicago Market
The Merchandise Mart
Chicago
800-677-6278
www.shopchicagomarket.com

Ellie Claire/Summerside Press is a featured company in Christian Retailing's new, online product-preview and buying service for retailers.

The Virtual Christian Retailing Show runs through Labor Day, Sept. 6, and will help stores set themselves for the fall and Christmas seasons with product news, order specials and training. The magazine's fourth virtual trade event features more than 30 suppliers--including gift vendors such as Swanson Christian Products and Robert Spooner Galerie--with their "booths" presenting new and recent releases and offering links for orders and specials.