Jerry Bloom, president of Treasures Media---comprised of a 500-square-foot store, online business and wholesale arm-said he expects to break ground on the new facility in Racine, Wis., in March 2010. To be located in an industrial park, the 80,000-square-foot distribution center-expected to cost $3 million to $4 million-should be constructed in October 2010, he said.

"We are expanding our operation because our business is currently growing at 40% per year," Bloom told Christian Retailing. "We desperately need more space to continue to accommodate our growth."

Bloom's major expansion comes as interest in Christian bargain books grows. The third annual Inspirational Value Book Show (IVBS)--the largest bargain show for the Christian book industry--is set for Jan. 13-14 at the Downtown Doubletree Hotel in Nashville. IVBS is patterned after the Chicago International Remainder and Overstock Book Expo (CIROBE), which was held Nov 5-8 in Chicago.

Meanwhile, a second Christian remainders show has been added next month to tap into the market. Set for Jan. 10-12 at the Atlanta Airport Marriott in Atlanta, Christian Trade Association International's Marketsquare International 2010 will feature America's Christian Remainder Show, which was added in response to feedback from international buyers.

Read the full report in the Dec. 7 issue of Christian Retailing.