The number of stores reporting to CBA CROSS:SCAN (Christian Retail Official Sales Statistics) has doubled in the last year. More than 800 Christian stores are now reporting their sales data to CROSS:SCAN, according to the retailers trade association.

"Over the past year, as we've continued to address retailers' concerns, and worked with P.O.S. (point-of-sale) system providers to eliminate barriers to reporting, we've seen a 100% increase in the number of contracted stores who are reporting their data on a weekly basis," said Curtis Riskey, CBA's strategic solutions executive. "This makes CROSS:SCAN data richer and more helpful to everyone who depends on it for making informed inventory, merchandising and promotional plans, and it comes at a time when inventory management and managing cash flow are more critical than ever."

CBA spokesperson Nancy Guthrie told Christian Retailing that the retailers association was not permitted to identify the stores reporting sales data. "Part of CBA's contract with data providers is that this information will not be public," she said.

The data reported to CROSS:SCAN is being put to use to benefit Christian stores in numerous ways, including CBA's recently launched Custom Inventory Accelerator, which equips retailers to refine their inventory mix for maximum profitability by matching its in-stock data with CROSS:SCAN sales information, CBA said.

"We are pleased to see retailer confidence and participation continue to grow," said CBA President Bill Anderson. "CROSS:SCAN is making a difference in participating stores, with proven results in terms of improved sales and profitability, improved margins, and an improved ability to manage titles moving quickly and those slowing down. It's enabling CBA to more effectively represent and advocate the significant role of Christian retail."

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