The International Christian Retail Show (ICRS), which will mark its 60th anniversary in Denver, July 12-15, could also be impacted by the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association's inaugural, consumer-oriented Christian Book Expo (CBE)--which produced a disappointing turnout in Dallas in March.

"Certainly publisher investment of resources in CBE this year will impact the resources companies have available to invest in all other areas, but publishers really can't afford not to connect with their best customers at ICRS," CBA President Bill Anderson told Christian Retailing. "Exhibitor attendance is strong (for ICRS). However, some exhibitors are downsizing the number of booth spaces they will use."

Among the companies downsizing for ICRS is Baker Publishing Group, where David Lewis, director of sales and marketing, said the company will have a smaller booth presence, and bring less staff and authors, as well as eliminate its convention suite, author/retail accounts dinner and special events.

Rick Regenfuss--vice president of sales for STL Distribution North America, which had one of the largest booths at last year's ICRS--told Christian Retailing that the distributor would be reducing its total booth space in Denver from 320 square feet to 240 square feet.

Read the full report in the May 4 issue of Christian Retailing.