An online product preview and buying service for retailers unable to attend live industry events will offer additional benefits when it relaunches after the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), next week.

Christian Retailing's Virtual Christian Retailing Show will run July 1-Sept. 6 and help stores set themselves for the fall and Christmas seasons with product news, order specials and training. It will be the magazine's fourth virtual trade event since debuting the innovative program following last year's ICRS.

Added to the event will be author video visits in which writers present filmed introductions to new titles, and informal question-and-answer sessions with suppliers intended to help retailers learn more about the inspirational and personal stories behind some of the new releases.

Thirty suppliers have already signed up to participate in the Virtual Christian Retailing Show, with their "booths" presenting details of key new and recent releases and offering links for orders and catalogs.

Among those participating will be Abbey Press, Charis Gifts, Carpentree, David C. Cook, EMI CMG, Integrity Music, Thomas Nelson and Zondervan.

Additional features will include Christian Retailing editors hosting roundtable discussions with suppliers and retailers on different trends. Access to the online event is free, with visiting retailers also eligible for a drawing to win an Apple iPad.

"With travel budgets tight and staff levels low, many Christian retail stores do not have the option of attending industry events as they have done in the past," said Dave Condiff, Christian Retailing publisher. "The Virtual Christian Retailing Show is an ideal way for suppliers to connect with retailers."

Last year's first Virtual Christian Retailing Show attracted more than 5,500 unique visitors from more than 70 countries.

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