Cold weather may have meant a slow start to the first big gift show of the year, with some buyers delayed in their arrival, but Christian suppliers at AmericasMart in Atlanta last week were sensing a thaw in the market.

Several companies rolling out new lines at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market, which runs Jan. 12-19, reported raising price points on some items, sensing that consumers' recent emphasis on cheaper purchases was easing.

"People don't just want inexpensive," said Andrea McKeag, national sales manager of Dicksons—whose new Cathedral Collection of sterling silver jewelry celebrating icons from around the world, ranges from $27 to $50. "People want quality with a price," she said. "We think we are known for great quality, interesting pieces at affordable prices."

At P. Graham Dunn—where products debuted included a new line of vibrantly colored items for its personalization centers, including pens, key chains and memo pads—Joe Knutson, co-president, said: "We feel that the pressure downward on price point is lifting a bit. It's time to lift the ban on anything over $30."

While the majority of products would continue to be economically priced, "we are starting to go back to a range of higher prices," he said. The company had been alerted to the shift in consumer attitudes late last year with a surge of interest in an engraved cherry wood carving of the Lord's Prayer retailing at $250, he said.

"I'm very optimistic," Knutson said. "While it won't happen overnight, I see the consumer bouncing back. There's a lot of optimism in the market."

Echoing that was Luke Harding, director of sales and marketing of the inspirational channel for Enesco, which was introducing a 50-plus-piece collection of Vatican-related art with retail prices ranging from $10 to $200.

"Perceived value is still very important," he said. "At the same time we are not at all shy of trying to introduce higher price-point items because they tend to drive our business in more meaningful ways."

Other Christian suppliers exhibiting in Atlanta included Abbey Press, Brownlow Gifts, DaySpring, Kerusso and Lighthouse Christian Products.

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