Independent Christian retailers and vendors came to Christian Product Expo (CPE) at the Hershey Lodge in Hershey, Pennsylvania, to be encouraged, equipped and engaged in the Feb. 7-9 tradeshow. 

CPE launched with a full lineup of activities, including a Retail Refresh Bootcamp led by Robbie Halstead of Kingdom Retail Solutions and Bookstore Manager training. Other sessions included VBS training, current product trends and discipleship training from Don Graybill with The Navigators (Tyndale).

Following the training sessions, retailers had the opportunity to meet and greet 15 best-selling authors and artists at what one retailer called “one of the best” Personality Parties. This year’s event included Charles Moore, Mara Measor, Brent Garrison, Karen Whiting, Gayle Roper, Angie Breidenbach, Twila Belk, Jeanette Windle, Terri Roberts, Robert Liparulo and others.

Kirk Blank, Munce Group president, commented on the shifts in the industry.

“2015 was a year that marked many changes and challenges in our industry,” Blank said. “The value of the independent Christian retailer was clearly seen when the largest Christian retail chain was unable to order, and yet the industry continued and many vendors experienced growth. CPE brings these valiant retailers together to be encouraged, equipped and engaged. This year’s event was one of the best for training, order writing and for remembering the call into business and ministry.”

New retailer Kevin Ferguson attended the event for the first time.

“CPE is not just about retailers buying from vendors, it’s far more! At the heart of CPE is Christ being glorified and Christ followers connecting from all over the country and beyond,” said Ferguson, owner of Willamette Valley Christian Supply in Corvallis, Oregon.

CPE attendees kicked off Sunday evening with a Super Bowl event. Guests enjoyed dinner, games, giveaways, a special halftime testimonial sharing and the big game on the big screen.

During the Monday morning breakfast sponsored by Tyndale, Christy Award-winning author Tessa Afshar shared her moving story of how she came to Christ out of a nominal Muslim family.

The Monday morning workshop, “Protecting Your Christian Business,” with Matt Sharp of Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) was a highlight for retailers. The mission of ADF, a nonprofit organization that advocates for the right of people to freely live out their faith, was clearly upheld and communicated in the timely presentation.

“Every time I attend I am encouraged, engaged and equipped," said Kris Jodon of Chapelwood Bookstore in Houston. It helps to remind me that I’m in the right business/ministry and God still wants me here.”

The show floor was open  Monday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.

David Terry of Noble Marketing also attended CPE for the first time. He represented Baker Publishing Group, Crossway and BroadStreet Publishing.

Terry said he enjoyed the event, “but more importantly, I feel the retailers enjoyed being there. I felt a genuine gratitude from my stores for ‘showing up’ and supporting the gathering, plus it was nice actually writing several orders—to my pleasant surprise. I look forward to attending the next show in Tennessee.”

On Monday evening, retailers and exhibitors gathered together for dinner and a stirring performance from Ernie Haase and Signature Sound. To conclude the evening, CPE attendees enjoyed a premiere screening of God’s Not Dead 2 (Pure Flix), which will be in theaters April 1.

CPE Hershey ended Tuesday with a devotional by author Cynthia Ruchti (Worthy Publishing) and presentation from Capital Christian Distribution, plus a prize package drawing that blessed three retailers with over $1,000 worth of products from Christian Authors Network (CAN) authors.

Additional giveaways included a cash prize drawing when the show floor closed. The $1,200 grand prize winner was Ron and Maryellen Turing of Joshua Tree in Woodbury, New Jersey. Charlene Wiggs from On the Third Day/Master's Mercantile in Pottstown, Pennsylvania, won the second-place cash prize. Finally, Whit and Kim Smart from SonLife in Hammond, Louisiana, took home the third-place cash prize.

“I love attending CPE," said Kelly Harding of Central Christian College Bookstore in Moberly, Missouri. "The shows are two highlights of my year. Between the training, sales floor and fellowship, every minute is time well spent.”

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