The purpose of the Vital Signs series is to raise issues of critical interest to the Christian products industry and to generate dialogue about them. Vital Signs is a joint project of Christian Retailing and Jim Seybert, president of The Jim Seybert Company.

Getting serious about e-books

January 2012

They may not like it, but retailers know they can’t ignore digital publishing

(Read further comments from respondents to our survey.)

Emphasizing Special Events

October 2011

Stores are working harder to draw shoppers, adding more promotions and signings

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Gatekeeper guidelines

July 2011

How stores keep an eye on the content they offer and what worries them

Talking about technology

June 2011
 Evaluating how Internet tools and social media help in-store operations

Inventory

April 2011

Changes in the market are impacting how stores handle inventory

(Read further comments from respondents to our survey.)

Three Key Concerns

January 2011
Christian Retailing's 2010 industry surveys reflect on new opportunities in key areas, including children's materials, DVDs and e-books. Look back with us on what we learned that could benefit stores in the new year.

Customer Connnections

June 2010

How stores care for shoppers--and handle their concerns

(Read further comments from respondents to our survey.)

Reviewing some of the big issues of 2009 

January 2010

What retailers and suppliers think about today's Christian products industry

Retail reformation

June 2009

How the economy is impacting consumer habits and business practices

(Read further comments from respondents to our survey.)

Economic realities

April 2009

Some signs of hope amid the downturn details

(Read the comments from respondents to our survey on the economy.)

Unwrapping gifts

March 2009

Assessing the category's challenges and opportunities

(Read the comments from respondents to our survey on Christian gifts.)

Holiday hopes

November 2008

Post-Christmas expectations more ho-hum than ho-ho

Core competencies

September 2008

Retailers assess the benefits and drawbacks of core inventory programs

Personally speaking

July 2008

Attitudes and actions beyond the workplace

Internet issues

July 2008

How independent retailers are facing up to their biggest challenge

Facing the music

April  2008

Retailers remain committed to a struggling category, despite the digital challenge

Friendly focus

January 2008

How Christian retailers can succeed, by those who care about them