A benefit CD to raise money for relief work in Haiti and a series of special offers and giveaways are among the highlights planned for the premiere Christian Store Day on Oct. 23.

Organizers of the campaign who hope that hundreds of Christian retailers across the country will join in the effort to drive traffic to Christian stores--announced earlier in the week--presented more specifics of the initiative at a special session. Around 20 retailers turned out to hear the details.

"We hope that there will be a carnival atmosphere, a reason to celebrate," said Bob Elder, executive vice president and COO of marketing agency Propeller Consulting, which has been working with CBA and suppliers supporting the effort. They include EMI CMG Distribution, Provident-Integrity Distribution, Word Distribution, Thomas Nelson, Tyndale House Publishers and Zondervan.

With a tagline of "celebrate faith and community," Christian Store Day aims to enthuse existing Christian retail consumers, draw back former customers and attract new shoppers with specials, prizes and author and artist appearances, similar to the Record Store Days that have promoted independent music stores.

The $5 Haiti compilation CD will feature artists such as Francesca Battistelli and Sidewalk Prophets, with royalties donated to the Haiti fund that will be divided between Compassion International, Samaritan's Purse and World Vision.

Among the specials confirmed so far is Word Label Group's knocking all its CDs down to $5 for the day, Elder said. In addition, Provident Label Group has moved the release of Third Day's new More to the Tuesday prior to the event (Oct. 19) to support the effort.

Stores will be asked to pay a nominal fee, yet to be determined, to be part of the program and will be included in a listing of participating locations at the event Web site, www.christianstoreday.com. Elder said that the chains and marketing groups had expressed interest in participating, too.

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