Such is the case with Gracefully Yours boxed greeting cards, produced by my company, Artbeat of America. We have legendary stories of consumers who have bought 25 card boxes in one shopping trip for their personal greeting card ministry, and have told their friends who have told their friends, and the rest is history.

Gifts at The Gathering 2010

Several gift suppliers were among the first-time exhibitors reporting strong interest in their lines at Christian Retailing's The Gathering 2010 in Louisville, Ky., April 21-23.

Tony Guard debuted his Life Discipler (www.lifediscipler.com), a pocket-sized electronic device that presents Bible verses on different topics throughout the day. "I have been very pleased with the orders," he said. "I was really here for the exposure because this is the first time the product has been seen, and it has far exceeded my expectations."

The National Retail Federation's 2010 Mother's Day Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey, conducted by BIGresearch, found the average person will spend $126.90 on Mother's Day gifts this year, compared to $123.89 last year. Total spending is expected to reach $14.6 billion.

Having spent slightly more on Valentine's Day, Easter and even St. Patrick's Day this year, consumers are continuing the spending trend. Behind the combined winter holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza, Mother's Day is the second-largest U.S. consumer spending holiday.

Swanson Christian Products Director of Operations and Business Development John McKinney Sr. has been named vice president of operations for the 75-year-old company.

In his new role, McKinney-with the company since 2006-will primarily be responsible for the daily operations and management of all aspects of the organization.

Roman is broadening its inspirational offerings in new categories and extending its best-selling collections, including new plaques and figures in the "Dimensions of Christ-CrossFish" line.

The new Dimensions of Christ-CrossFish Desk Plaque, retailing for $29.99, is made of resin and measures 6 inches tall. With silver accents and a natural stone look, the plaque features a dangling fish and the scripture Heb. 11:1.

List based on sales data for March 1-31, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

May 16-19
National Stationery Show
Jacob K. Javits Convention Center
New York City
914-421-3200
www.nationalstationeryshow.com

The winners of the 10th annual Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Awards have been announced. Demdaco, Lighthouse Christian Products and Thomas Nelson were the winning suppliers for the three gift categories.

Thirty-three prize winners were named April 22 at The Gathering 2010 at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky. Awards were presented in more than 30 categories, honoring the best new releases last year in gifts, books, Bibles and more.