The Munce Group wrapped up its two-day Christian Product Expo (CPE) Tuesday afternoon, with heavy traffic and brisk sales during the final day of the event at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, organizers said.

Even in a stagnant book market, Ray Wadel, a sales representative with Zondervan, said orders were up and retailers were optimistic. Wadel added that strong sales of Bibles and Karen Kingsbury's books helped boost business for the annual CPE.

"For a two-day show to not hear a complaint, I'd say that's pretty good," Munce Group founder and President Bob Munce told Christian Retailing. "Everyone I've talked to so far has said that they've made more sales this year than last year."

Munce said the purpose of CPE is not only to give retailers a chance to order products for Christmas, but also to provide training and encouragement. He added that the most heavily attended workshop of the event?ministry training by Kingsbury and Dave and Jan VanCamp of Word of Life, a youth discipleship organization?accomplished both.

"If you think you're not equipped, remember (that) God says you have the Holy Spirit," Jan VanCamp told retailers, referring to the serious issues that face Christian retail customers. "He knows what the problem (is), He knows the solution, He will give you wisdom and strength. These are all promises from Scripture."

Final attendance and sales figures were not available at press time, but Munce Group Media and Events Manager Brad Poel said pre-registration was up from approximately 135 stores in 2006 to 150 stores this year, translating into about 250 retailers in total.

Poel added that the number of exhibitors-66 vendors occupying 72 booths-was comparable to last year's figures. Munce held a cash-prize drawing at the end of CPE, and Charlie and Martha Hill of Golden Rule Bible Center in Aurora, Ind., won $1,500; Dennis and Andrea Lovvorn of New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville, Tenn., won $600; and Don Smearsoll of Bread of Life in Greenville, Ohio, won $400.

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