A new study conducted by CBA shows that sales of Christian products were $4.63 billion in 2006-up from $4.3 billion in 2004, $4.2 billion in 2002 and $4 billion in 2000.

The report was released on the eve of the annual International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), which will start Sunday and run through July 12 in Atlanta. Up to 9,000 people, including retailers from all 50 states and 58 countries, are expected to attend the world's largest Christian retail trade show, according to CBA.

Sales of CBA-member suppliers products through the Christian retail channel grew 2.4% from 2004 to 2006, according to the booksellers' trade association. The channel continued to sell the majority share (52%) of Christian products, while general market channels (warehouse clubs, mass merchandisers and big-box bookstores) sold 33%. Other channels, including direct-to-consumer, church, and nonprofit ministry sales, accounted for 15%, CBA said.

“This channel sells more Christian products than all the other channels combined,” said CBA President and CEO Bill Anderson. “Christian retail's unparalleled assortment means increased choice for the customer and greater exposure for the supplier.”

CBA has also renamed its publication. Formerly called Aspiring Retail, CBA Retailers+Resources will debut with the July issue at ICRS.

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