Christian Retailing

New Divinity Boutique in new AmericasMart showroom Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:28 PM America/New_York

Some gift suppliers might be concerned about the economy's effect on business, but Keith Schwartz was upbeat at the Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market in Atlanta, at the weekend-with a new business, new lines and a partnership in a new venture aiming to create new opportunities for Christian-market suppliers.

Schwartz reported 30%-plus growth in 2009 for his 6-year-old Divinity Boutique, which starts the new year being absorbed into Nicole Bradyden Gifts & Divinity Boutique. He continues as president and said that the company will add new categories in addition to its popular inspirational gift products and look for further acquisitions.

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Swanson offers large discount to its wholesale accounts Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:27 PM America/New_York

Swanson Christian Products is offering selected core product lines to its wholesale accounts at an everyday discount of 60% off suggested retail prices beginning Jan. 2. Hundreds of items are available at this new discount, including canvas Bible covers, ties, hats and caps, and auto emblems.

As for the reason why the company is offering this discount, John McKinney Sr., director of operations, said: "It's simple. It's just time to set a new standard."

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Crowns, 'Perfect Stranger' atop SoundScan charts Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:24 PM America/New_York
Until the While World Hears by Casting Crowns supplanted the band's own Peace on Earth (both Beach Street Records/Provident-Integrity Distribution) for the top spot of the SoundScan's Christian/Gospel music Christian retail chart for sales the week ending Jan. 3, while Perfect Stranger and Another Perfect Stranger: The Director's Double Feature (Kelly's Filmworks/EMI CMG Distribution) replaced The Ultimate Gift (20th Century Fox Home Entertainment/Word Distribution) atop the Christian Videos list.
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B&H promotes new title with social media Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:23 PM America/New_York
B&H Publishing Group is partnering with author William A. Dembski to promote the new book The End of Christianity (November 2009) with a social networking campaign soliciting responses to the question, "Why do you believe God is good?"

Users can upload their two-minute responses on the Web site www.godornot.com to be entered into a contest to win $5,000.

"We wanted to provide an open forum to encourage a dialogue about the goodness of God," said Dembski, founder of the intelligent design blog Uncommon Descent.

The deadline for contest entry is April 5, and Web site visitors will determine the winning entry by vote.

 
'Fireproof' star Cameron headlines tour Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:21 PM America/New_York
Fireproof star Kirk Cameron is teaming with singer-songwriter Warren Barfield for the Love Worth Fighting For tour, kicking off in Lexington, Ky., on March 6 and in Atlanta on April 10. The events will feature both afternoon and evening sessions.

Prior to appearing in Fireproof and the "Left Behind" films, Cameron was a featured actor on TV's Growing Pains. Barfield, whose song "Love Is Not a Fight" is prominently featured in the Fireproof film and movie trailer, previously released the songs "My Heart Goes Out," "Mistaken" and "Saved."

Additional dates for the tour will be announced at the sponsoring organization's Web site.

 
Retailers roundtable on inventory control Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:18 PM America/New_York
Retail insiders discuss inventory control with Editor Andy Butcher on the new Retailers Roundtable podcast, part of Christian Retailing's Virtual Christian Restock Connection.

CBA Business Development Director Eric Grimm, Banner Books co-owner Lorraine Valk and Kingdom Retail Solutions Director of Consultancy Robbie Halstead discuss this topic, which is especially important for the new year.

Click here to hear the podcast.

 
Right Stuff Kids highlighted in virtual show Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:17 PM America/New_York
Right Stuff Kids books are featured in Christian Retailing's Virtual Christian Restock Connection, an online exhibition that will feature Webinars and interviews with retailers and suppliers offering advice on inventory issues.

Running through March 30, the show is hosted by Christian Retailing magazine, highlighting some of the key new and backlist products from leading suppliers.

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Retailers Choice Awards Early Bird nominations end this week Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 11 January 2010 01:13 PM America/New_York
Suppliers of Christian products can now enter their best releases of the year in Christian Retailing's 2010 Retailers Choice Awards-and take advantage of the Early Bird discount if entering by this Friday, Jan. 15.

Introduced in 2001 and celebrating 10 years in 2010, the Retailers Choice Awards have been increasingly acknowledged as an important way of recognizing some of the most significant new life-changing products in the Christian retail industry.

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