Attendance totals for the week were down, but spirits seemed to be up as this year's event closed yesterday afternoon.

Professional attendance-the total number of people less exhibitors and youth-was 2,386, down 17% on last year, CBA announced. Overall attendance dropped from 9,266 to 7,448, while exhibitor personnel numbers were down from 6,007 to 4,787-a reflection of the smaller floor presence for many companies. International attendance was flat, with 739 visitors from 63 countries.

Among the 353 exhibitors occupying 992 booth spaces were 66 first-time participating suppliers.

CBA President Bill Anderson said he was encouraged by the attendance, in the light of the ongoing changes in the industry, the current economic downturn and its impact on travel costs, and the recent storms and hurricanes that had impacted stores in some parts of the country. He was "pleased that so many retailers find so much value in the show and invest in being here."

Anderson also said that he had been encouraged by "the rather upbeat sense of the show." He told Christian Retailing: "I was expecting the industry to be more somber. It's somber in its view of the realities of the times in which we live, but part of that reality is we have opportunities that we need to exploit."

Among those who echoed Anderson's view was Pam Harrington, manager of the bookstore at the Billy Graham Training Center in Asheville, N.C. "It has been a great show," she said. Attendance was down, but those that came did so "optimistically, feeling that the importance of what we do is even greater than before."

Anderson said CBA was in "open dialogue" with exhibitors and retailers about possible changes to the show, and looking at ways to increase the value of the event and reduce costs. Next year's 60th anniversary convention in Denver will feature some surprises, Anderson said.

In its close-of-show round-up, CBA reported membership of 1,731 stores, including independents (46% of the total), regional and national chains (34%) and church and other outlets such as camps, conference centers or online and direct-mail retailers (20%).

• Next