Organizers anticipate the number of stores participating in this year's Christian Store Week will double that of the 2010 launch.

All chains and marketing groups are due to take part in the CBA-sponsored Oct. 1-10 event intended to build awareness of Christian retail stores and draw new customers.

LifeWay Christian Stores was the only chain to take part in last year's Christian Store Day, which was celebrated by around 500 stores across the country. Others that had expressed interest did not have the time to prepare merchandising and promotional plans, prompting organizers to bring preparations forward for this year.

Details of participating vendors, the ministry that will be the focus of fund-raising efforts and other aspects of the program, are due to be announced this month.

"Part of the whole process has been to do a recap of what was successful and what didn't work last year, and then to improve and bring those elements in this year to see we have an even more successful event," said Curtis Riskey, CBA's executive director.

Christian Store Week will start on Columbus Day, typically a busy retail day. In-store appearances by authors and artists, special promotions and giveaways will be among the events.

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