Christian Retailing

Lee Grady resigns as editor of 'Charisma' Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 28 December 2009 02:59 PM America/New_York
After 10 years as editor of Charisma magazine, J. Lee Grady has resigned to pursue international ministry through The Mordecai Project. He will be replaced by Marcus Yoars as the third editor of the magazine, which has focused on the charismatic renewal since 1975.

Grady will continue as a "contributing editor" of Charisma. "This is a positive move for Lee, whose international ministry has really expanded in recent years," said Steve Strang, the magazine's publisher and founder.

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Church bookstores facing 'adjustments' Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 28 December 2009 03:06 PM America/New_York
A sobering assessment of the state of the church bookstore movement has been offered by one of its leaders.

While there has been a large increase in the number of church stores in recent years, "we're starting to see some adjustments," says George Thomsen, manager of the Harvest Store at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., and chairman-elect of CBA.

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Grant, Millard to host 2010 Dove Awards Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 28 December 2009 03:10 PM America/New_York
Natalie Grant and MercyMe's Bart Millard will co-host the 41st Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, scheduled for Wednesday, April 21 at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. Artists performing will include TobyMac, Casting Crowns, Jason Crabb and Donald Lawrence.

The lineup was announced earlier than usual to generate awareness of the awards show, which previously capped the GMA music industry conference, scrapped for next year.

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Christian stores see music success Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 28 December 2009 03:16 PM America/New_York
Christian retailers fighting the decline of music sales made significant strides in 2009, according to new sales figures.

Greg Bays--chairman of the Christian Music Trade Association, which tracks the sales of Christian music--reported that in a year when music sales in the overall industry fell 13%, 2009 unit sales in Christian retail dropped by only 2.9%. At the same time, sales of Christian music in mainstream outlets were down 9.4%.

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CBA seeks 'predatory pricing' probe Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 28 December 2009 03:24 PM America/New_York
CBA has called on the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate what it calls predatory pricing practices by Wal-Mart, Amazon.com and Target in the pre-release of hardcover books as well as the sales and pricing of e-books.

The request seeks to stop monopolization of the publishing industry through predatory pricing, which would limit the sale of existing books to only a few retailers. Such practices will damage the entire publishing industry by promoting an unsustainable economic model, CBA said. Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Target.com embarked on an online price war this fall over the pre-sales of new hardcover, best-selling books.

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IBS-STL UK sale details announced Print Email
Written by Staff   
Sunday, 20 December 2009 11:00 PM America/New_York
IBS-STL UK has announced new ownership for its troubled retail, distribution and publishing divisions.

Eight of the stores in the Wesley Owen chain—the largest in the country—have been bought by Australian retail group, Koorong, with another six taken on by CLC International (UK). Some of the remaining 26 stores may continue under ownership by local groups.

STL Distribution, the main supply hub for Christian retail in the U.K., has been purchased by John Ritchie Ltd., a subsidiary of The Lord's Work Trust based in Kilmarnock, Scotland. The operation will continue under the STL Distribution name.

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Home entertainment opportunity highlighted Print Email
Written by Rich Peluso   
Sunday, 20 December 2009 11:00 PM America/New_York
It is time for Christian retailers to "grab by both horns" one of the channel's big growth categories, according to Rich Peluso, vice president of Affirm Films, the faith-based label of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment.

The massive growth in home theaters and media rooms as families seek high-quality and impact entertainment at home "holds significant sales potential for Christian retailers," he says, noting that even churches are following the trend, with many having large screens used for playing multimedia and film for services.
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