The 2015 Christian Product Expo (CPE) encouraged, equipped and engaged independent Christian retailers and vendors from across the country in a three-day trade show Jan. 18-20 at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

“Our theme verse for our CPE events this year was 2 Peter 1:3: ‘His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness,’” said Munce Group President Kirk Blank. “The importance of Christian products and the retailers who sell them has never been greater than it is today. CPE is one of the ways the Munce Group can help to encourage, equip and engage independent Christian retailers. It is a blessing to serve them this way.”

CPE began on Sunday with a full line of activities, including a Retail Refresh Bootcamp led by Robbie Halstead of Kingdom Retail Solutions, Bookstore Manager training and VBS training. In additional training, Scott Gabrielson from ChurchMart in Rocky Mount, Virginia, encouraged retailers with powerful principles for Christian leadership. And best-selling author Dannah Gresh equipped retailers to reach their tween and teen market with a fun and practical message.

“We are so grateful for CPE for all of the services provided,” said Mike and Deb Woodard of Bethany Book & Gift in Baxter, Minnesota. “The prayer support, encouragement and training mean so much to us!”

Before enjoying a Sunday dinner presentation from Compassion International, retailers had the opportunity to meet and greet best-selling authors and artists at the Personality Party, which included Dani Pettrey, Shirley Amendt, Terry Whalin, Carol McAdams Moore, Gayle Roper, Karen Whiting, Jean Watson, Rachelle Dekker and Dannah and Bob Gresh.

At the Night of Worship, attendees were spiritually refreshed by internationally acclaimed singer and violinist Jean Watson and critically acclaimed author and pastor Randy Singer (Tyndale).

“Being able to step away from the store for a few days and fellowship with retailers and vendors is invaluable,” said Kelly Harding of Central Christian College Bookstore in Moberly, Missouri.

The evening ended with a movie premiere of Do You Believe? (Pure Flix), viewed by a packed house that extended into an overflow room.

For many attendees, this was their first time at CPE Hershey, including over half of those who were also new to the CPE family.

On Monday morning, Rachelle Dekker, the daughter of Ted Dekker, shared the story behind her new book, The Choosing, in a Q&A session with Blank.

Following a series of retail training sessions, the show floor opened Monday for a profitable time of order writing.

“CPE was the most successful show I have had in years,” said Danny Tager from Singer Company. “I wrote more orders than I have written in any show for the last five years. I also opened up four or five new accounts. I was sold on this platform before, and this just solidified my participation for years to come. Our market is alive and well.”

Once the show floor closed, retailers and exhibitors gathered together for dinner and an unforgettable performance from the Collingsworth Family.

To conclude the evening, CPE attendees were privileged to be a part of the premiere screening of War Room (Provident Films), the fifth theatrical release from the Kendrick Brothers, starring best-selling author and Bible teacher Priscilla Shirer.

CPE Hershey ended on Tuesday with a breakfast and presentation by Christian Authors Network (CAN) and a prize package drawing that blessed three retailers with $1000 worth of products, plus a cash prize giveaway at noon when the show floor closed.

“I needed God’s guidance for the future of the store after 40 years in business,” said Ruth O'Carroll from Body & Soul in Jamesburg, New Jersey. “I came here ready to quit—now I’m invigorated to go on!”

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