After field-testing the resource in five stores this fall, CBA is rolling out a new tool that equips Christian retailers to refine their inventory mix for maximum profitability. The service is being backed by Tyndale House Publishers, which says the system can be a big help to Christian retailers.

Custom Inventory Accelerator (CIA) uses a store’s current inventory data overlaid with aggregate CROSS:SCAN information on products with “demonstrated consumer demand,” identifying slow-moving inventory that needs to be returned or removed as well as strong-performing products, the booksellers association said.

“Inventory is the largest investment in a retail store,” said CBA President Bill Anderson. “In these challenging economic times, and with the dramatic shifts taking place in consumer behavior, we recognize that stores have to make sure that every product taking up space on their shelves is serving their customers and thereby their bottom line.

“For years we’ve talked about core inventory, but the question is, core to who?” Anderson asked. “This new tool customizes a store’s inventory to that store’s unique mission, budget and customer demand.”

CBA said one store in the field test reported a 12.8% sales increase in book sales and 16% in overall sales in August compared to August 2007 after using CIA to identify high performing inventory not previously stocked. Another store more than doubled Bible sales in September using the tool.

The cost to retailers for the program is $495. The first sponsor of the accelerator, Tyndale House Publishers has provided $25,000 to help underwrite Christian retailers. Through Tyndale’s support, select retailers can buy the new service for $100.

“We want Christian retail not only to survive in this harsh economy, but to thrive,” Mark Taylor, president and CEO of Tyndale House, said. “We’re convinced that retailers who use this tool can effectively increase their sales by an average of 10%, so we want to remove any financial obstacle that would keep a store from using it. We see this as a wise investment in the future of Christian retail.”

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