Christian suppliers and retailers are bagging some of the action in the growing market for fashionable totes and other bags. Dozens of companies have entered the business, partly to capitalize on the popularity of its fashion-accessory cousin--purses.

"They're very good sellers," said Beverly Hall, manager of The Salt Cellar in Lawton, Okla. "They're kind of staples for us, like bread, milk and eggs in a grocery store. I wouldn't want not to have them. I've got a good assortment, and I constantly sell them."

A shopping bag is "a great item," according to Dennis Lovvorn, co-owner of New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville, Tenn. "It's a renewable item. Eventually they'll (shoppers) wear them out and buy a new one. ... It's a market that's wide open."

Reusable totes have also become common, mushrooming in popularity because they are considered the eco-friendly alternative to the traditional plastic bag used in supermarkets.

Among suppliers responding to the trend is DaySpring, with a line of 18 products due to be almost doubled by February 2011.

"Totes are very hot in the marketplace right now," said Director of Marketing Communications Brenda Turner. "Because totes are often value priced, women like to have multiple styles and designs to meet every need-from running to the grocery store to heading to the pool or just toting books to and from the library."

Read the complete report in the September issue of Inspirational Gift Mart.

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