Some gift suppliers might be concerned about the economy's effect on business, but Keith Schwartz was upbeat at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, at the weekend-with a new business, new lines and a partnership in a new venture aiming to create new opportunities for Christian-market suppliers.

Schwartz reported 30%-plus growth in 2009 for his 6-year-old Divinity Boutique, which starts the new year being absorbed into Nicole Bradyden Gifts & Divinity Boutique. He continues as president and said that the company will add new categories in addition to its popular inspirational gift products and look for further acquisitions.

"We believe that the way it is with the economy right now, there's a lot of room for acquisitions," he said.

Schwartz attributed Divinity's success to introducing new lines, with 1,000 additional SKUs planned for 2010. Among them are leather Bible covers-10 colors, retailing for $19.99 each-with pre-sales running into six figures.

The Bible covers were on display in the new all-inspirational, multi-line showroom opened by Davis Marketing Group (DMG), the first permanent presence for Christian gifts at AmericasMart's Atlanta center.

"There's a lot of positives from joining together like this," said Schwartz, whose partner-suppliers in the venture include Gifts of Faith, Bristol Gift Co. and Holy Land Gifts.

"We are not competitors, we are helping each other and we can generate more traffic together than singly. It's a win-win," he added.

DMG owner Pamela Davis, who has taken a three-year lease on 2,000 square feet at AmericasMart, said that the move had generated "fantastic" awareness for the participating companies. "I have had so many people say, 'It's about time we had somewhere we can go to find a lot of inspirational gift products in one place.' "

Elsewhere at the show, among the companies exhibiting with special CBA signage identifying them as members of the Christian retail trade association, was Abbey Press. Key Accounts Manager Katie Mehling said: "We have gotten some new customers and that is usually a good indicator for the (coming) year."

Back at the event for the first time in several years as part of the CBA initiative was Bob Siemon Designs. In addition to unveiling new key rings and epoxy scripture pendants, the company was spotlighting its Rockin' Doggie division, offering accessories for pets and their owners.

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