Six Bible offerings have been created, including King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) UltraSlim editions, NKJV and New American Standard Bible large print editions of The MacArthur Study Bible, KJV and NKJV single-column Bibles and The Voice New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs. Featuring cover designs exclusive for the Christian retail channel, the Bibles will begin shipping in spring 2010.

"Our research with The Barna Group revealed that the core group of consumers seeking faith-based products turn to and recommend Christian retail stores for their purchases over any other outlet," said Wayne Hastings, senior vice president and publisher of Thomas Nelson's Bible Group. "After 200-plus years in the Bible publishing business, we are still dedicated to developing Bible and study products that people want and need, as well as offering tools that aid our retail partners in reaching people with God's Word."

Nelson's announcement comes after Zondervan recently announced an exclusive Bible line for Wal-Mart stores, which prompted complaints from some Christian retail supporters who were disappointed by the move.

Nelson's announcement included an endorsement from Link McGinnis, owner of Cedar Springs Christian Stores in Knoxville, Tenn., who said he appreciated the publisher's "assistance and responsiveness to our customers' needs as we try to attract and keep a more demanding customer base."

Meanwhile, Nelson also said that numerous stores have reported significant increases in their Bible sales through the publisher-neutral Felt Needs Bible Merchandising System, which it introduced three years ago. A large international retailer recently implemented a customized version of the system and saw their Bible sales increase by 30%, Nelson officials said.

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