Though church attendance can dip in the summer, business doesn't have to slow if you turn your bookstore into a one-stop shop for attendees' summer resource needs. Here are a few ideas to keep sales up during the summer.

Travel tips: Many customers will come in looking for resources to keep themselves and their children occupied on car trips. While they may be looking for DVDs for the kids to watch, they'll also be searching for something they can listen to while driving--a great time to showcase your audiobooks and your church's message CDs.

When grandparents who will have family visiting come into your store, have some beautiful picture books in mind to recommend to them.

Relaxation resources: Summer is a great time for small groups and book clubs to read books together.
Be sure to accommodate a range of reading preferences, and suggest several books for small groups or book clubs.

Offer a discount if the group comes in together to pick out the book. Chances are, they will find other items in your store to purchase during their visit. Summer is also a great time for fellowship, particularly while relaxing on a porch or gathering together.

Seasonal suggestions: Have a music display that says "Music to garden with" or "Music to build a deck with." Select some soothing instrumental CDs or perhaps some albums with a rock or Latin beat.

Suggest Christian magazines or "BibleZines" for beach trips.

Create a display that highlights your summer cards and note cards. E-mails and cell phones are convenient, but sending a beautiful or funny card with a handwritten message of encouragement often is the best way to spend a rainy afternoon.

Treasure teens: Don't forget that summer is a great time to really invest in some of the teens in your church. Consider having them volunteer in your store for a few hours a week. You could even form an advisory group with these teens to help you better serve this young market.

--Cynthia Hoppe, a freelance writer, managed the Seeds Resource Center at Willow Creek Community Church in South Barrington, Ill., for six years.

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