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| Industry Radar 2008-2009 |
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| Written by Felicia Abraham |
| Wednesday, 25 August 2010 10:53 AM America/New_York |
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Industry Radar for the week of December 27, 2009. Long Beach Lighthouse dims: Only four months away from what would have been its 64th anniversary, the last of the Lighthouse Christian Stores in Long Beach, Calif., is closing its doors, "a victim of growing technology." The (Long Beach,. Calif.) Press-TelegramJoel Osteen's church store: The bookstore at author-pastor Joel Osteen's Lakewood Church in Houston is "one of the highest-grossing Christian bookstores in America." Anchor Room's 'bittersweet' days: "The holiday savings were bittersweet" at The Anchor Room in Fort Wayne, Ind., as hundreds of people flocked to the Christian bookstore's liquidation auction U.K. Christian men's mag: Christian men's magazine, "Loaded," it to be sold in general market stores alongside popular "lads mags" featuring sports, gadgets and scantily-clad women. New distribution center planned: Jerry Bloom's Christian bookstore has grown "beyond his wildest imagination," prompting the Racine, Wisc., businessman to begin construction on a $4 million office and distribution center. Paul Baloche's French mission: Worship artist Paul Baloche discusses his desire to share his music with the French-speaking world. Wesley Owen stores saved: Wesley Owen has confirmed that 14 of its U.K. stores have been saved after its parent company IBS-STL went into administration. Stealing the Scriptures: Bibles are sometimes stolen from Parable Christian Store in Springfield, Ore., despite the fact that if a person asks for a Bible, they'll be given a copy without charge. 'Biggest Loser' book deal: Phil and Amy Parham of Greer, S.C., contestants on NBC's "Biggest Loser Families," have a three-book deal with Harvest House publishers, with the first title due out in June 2010. Family store 'staying afloat': Family Christian Bookstore in Chico, Calif., is "staying afloat, even in turbulent economic waters." Anchor future still uncertain: The future of the Anchor Room Christian store in Fort Wayne still hangs in the balance. IBS-STL U.K. Sale 'relief': There was a "tremendous sense of relief" at IBS-STL Distribution in the U.K., when the 150 staff learned their jobs weer safe with the sale of the business to John Ritchie Ltd. Stores gets bail out: Annette and Rick Macias' Christian Connection in Merced, Calif., is to remain open after another Christian retailing couples stepped in to bail out the store and keep the Maciases on as managers. Author faces down 'evil': Novelist Wanda Dyson, who debuted with 2003's "Abduction" (Barbour Publishing), says of her inspiration: "I've been face to face with evil. I want to write about coming through the other side of it." Faith-based weight programs: Faith-based health and weight loss programs are growing in popularity. Pastor's mission goes Hollywood: Pastor Sam Childers' book about rescuing African orphans, "Another Man's War," is due to be made into a Hollywood movie. Singer is 'desperately hopeful': Grammy-winning Christian music star Steven Curtis Chapman is "desperately hopeful" about the future, a year and a half after the death of his daughter. Anne Rice's redemptive message: Anne Rice's new novel, "Angel Time," the first in her "The Songs of the Seraphim" series, has an "overriding message, based on her own religious fervor, that God can forgive the transgressions of all who seek him out." Store back from dead: Living Word Christian Store in Sarasota, Fla., has re-opened after an anonymous benefactor stepped forward and asked former owners Chuck and Joanne Broderick to manage the business. The (Tampa, Fla.) Herald-Tribune A Dave Ramsey 'convert': A writer who followed financial adviser Dave Ramsey's teachings admits they have "made a convert out of a secular journalist with one of the pricey M.B.A.s he likes to poke fun at." Spoof: 'modern-day parables': Kerusso CEO Vic Kennett says he views his company's designs that spoof commercial logos and slogans as modern-day parables. Oral Robert's biography: A report on the death of healing evangelist Oral Roberts references his 1995 Thomas Nelson autobiography, “Expect a Miracle.” Evangelist's books' main message: Oral Roberts wrote more than 130 books, "most variations on his key principles: 'God is your Source, sow your seed out of your need, and expect a miracle harvest.'" U.K. Christian book sales up: Christian book sales in England are "well up on last year." 'Glo' Bible recommended purchase: The new 'Glo' digital Bible is featured in a suggested shopping list for "pious presents" available at Christian bookstores. The (Augusta, Ga.) Metro Spirit Store fights city charges: PB&J Christian Bookstore's future in Kalispell, Mont., is threatened by additional city charges for moving to a smaller location. Bible link for Xbox: B&H Publishing Group's $5 Bible Navigator X for the Xbox allows readers to bookmark pages, search, and display the text on a television screen. Industry Radar for the week of December 16, 2009. Rick Warren biographer's verdict: The author of a biography of pastor and author Rick Warren says of his subject "there really isn’t a public and private persona." Store fights city charges: PB&J Christian Bookstore in Kalispell, Mont., is challenging additional city service fees prompted by a move to a smaller location. Mustard Seed to close: The Mustard Seed in Springfield, Ill., is to close after 35 years in business. Media agency's success: Ellen Graf-Martin, former manager at R.G. Mitchell Family Books has launched her own agency serving authors such as Barry Sears, who wrote "The Zone" diet and Marcus Buckingham, since the Canadian chain and distributor went bankrupt. The (Kitchener, Ontario) Record Concordia wins quality award: Concordia Publishing House in St. Louis, Mo., has received a 2009 Missouri Quality Award from the Excellence in Missouri Foundation for its organizational performance, leadership, customer service and customer satisfaction. Author's Family Christian signing: Ann Kroeker, author of "Not So Fast: Slow-Down Solutions for Frenzied Families," signs copies of her book at Family Christian Store in Plainfield, Ill. Former marine buys store: Former marine Tim Dalhouse has taken over Manny's Christian Book Store in New Bern. N.C., from Steve and Karen Altman. The (New Bern, N.C.) Sun Journal Atheist tells Christmas stories: An atheist writer retells the Christmas story for children because many Bible stories "are just traditional touchstones." Store destroyed by fire: Christian retail store Son Shine Shoppe was one of several businesses hit when fire destroyed two buildings in Wisner, Neb. 'Realistic Bible stories' campaign: Kathy Lewis has founded CRIBS—Characters Realistically Illustrated in Bible Stories—because she believes children need "a more realistic... more human... version of Jesus" to relate to. TobyMac prepares fourth album: TobyMac's fourth full studio release, "Tonight," due out in February, will include the Grammy-nominated single, "City On Our Knees." 'Christmas' series author speaks: Donna VanLiere talks about her popular seasonal story series, with the fifth, "The Christmas Secret," just published and the movie version of "The Christmas Hope" premiering on TV.
Industry Radar for the week of December 9, 2009. Church store changes name: The bookstore at Church of the Holy Apostles in McHenry, Ill., has changed its name to Bell Tower Gifts & Books to reach beyond its Catholic constituency. God's sense of humor: One of the authors of the new women's devotional, "Be Still ... and Let Your Nail Polish Dry," says that "God is a merry, joyful God, with a great sense of humor." 'Glo' Bible a hot item: The new "Glo" digital Bible tops the list of hot Christian products for the Christmas season, according to Christian retailers in Fayetteville, N.C. Country singer turns novelist: Country singer Sara Evan's first book, the novel "Sweet By and By" to be published in January by Thomas Nelson, is "loosely based on some events in my life." Book gather battlefield testimonies: Dozens of frontline accounts have been gathered in "Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the War in Iraq and Afghanistan." 'Colorful' new devotional: The daily devotional "Babes with a Beatitude" is "a colorful mix of humorous and heart-felt stories and scriptures, (offering) readers hope." Store offers bargains: Gadsden Christian Bookstore in Gadsden, Ga., is slashing prices by 25-50%. because according to owner Sam watts "everybody wants a good deal, and especially nowadays with the economic hard times." Expanded holiday open hours: For Heaven's Sake Christian store in Caldwell, Idaho, is expanding its holiday hours by staying open on Mondays. Crowds for Huckabee signing: More than 400 people stood at LifeWay Christian Store in Monroe, La., for a book signing with Mike Huckabee, promoting his new "A Simple Christmas." Store hosts multiple authors: Five Christian writers took part in a book signing and panel discussion at The Door Christian bookstore in San Carlos, Calif. VeggieTales' shoebox 'boost': The new VeggieTales Christmas release is "providing a boost" to the world's largest children's Christmas outreach ministry, Operation Christmas Child. Black Friday sales up: Crossroads Christian Bookstore in Springfield, Tenn., advertised its Black Friday specials "and our sales were up," said owner Keith Woodall. Cinema's Christian film fare: "The Star of Bethlehem" is next in a series of Christian films being shown at Cinema 8 in Kearney, Neb., following "Fireproof" and "The River Within." U.K. closures 'keenly felt': If the Wesley Owen stores up for sale in the U.K. are closed, "their absence will be keenly felt." 'Fireproof' brothers' signing visit: 'Fireproof' creators Alex and Stephen Kendrick signed copies of their DVD and tie-in book at their hometown LifeWay Christian Resources outlet in Albany, Ga. Amish novel's Wal-Mart welcome: Amish writer Suzanne Woods Fisher's new "The Choice," the first novel in her "Lancaster County Secrets" from Revell, has been selected by Wal-Mart for January Inspirational Book Shelf. Parable leader's store changes: Parable Group founder Steve Potratz is closing his two personal stores in San Luis Obispo, Calif., and combining the business in a new, single location.
Industry Radar for the week of December 2, 2009. An 'untapped' devotional market: "Devotional Stories for Women: 101 Daily Devotions to Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire Women," the newest book in the wildly successful "Chicken Soup for the Soul" library, fills "an untapped market" in the 200-title series. The (Palm Beach, Fla.) Sun-Sentinel New store meets a need: Ethan and Leane Ledford have opened Little Ones Christian Book Store in Denton, S.C. after moving to the area discovering there wasn’t a Christian book store nearby. The (Lexington, N.C.) Dispatch Long-time store closes: After four decades in business, The Anchor Room Bookstore in Fort Wayne, Ind., is to close. Ex-Mafia boss' book: Former mafia boss Michael Franzese speaks about the message behind his latest book, "The Good, the Bad and the Forgiven." Darwin anniversary book giveaway: Actor Kirk Cameron helps hand out free copies of a special anniversary edition of Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species," with an introduction on intelligent design to mark 150 years since the book was published. Downturn forces store closure: The owners of The Anchor Room Bookstore in Fort Wayne, Ind., are citing the economic downturn for their decision to close after four decades in business. Long-time store may downsize: The owners of The Anchor Room Bookstore in Fort Wayne, Ind., hope they may be able to reopen the business in a smaller location. The (Fort Wayne, Ind.) News-Sentinel U.K. industry crisis meeting: Crisis meeting planned to discuss future of Christian bookstores in the U.K. following IBS-STL UK's being put up for sale. Christian writers at fair: Christian writers are prominent at the annual Southern Oregon Book and Author Fair. The Ashland (Ore.) Daily Times Church store shuts doors: Trinity Commons Books and Gifts, operated in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, for ten years by the Episcopal Church, is to close at the end of the year. Store re-opens with new look: The former Christian Supply Store in Pendleton, Ore., has re-opened as Crossroads Books and More, with an upstairs room available for Bible studies. End-time book reprint: Lloyd Hildebrand's “2012: Is this the End?” (Logos Publishing), inspired by Mayan predictions about the end of the world, is in its second printing and is featured in chain bookstores such as Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Family Christian Stores and LifeWay Christian Stores. 'Like Jesus' author visit: Ed Dobson, author of "The Year of Living Like Jesus," preaches from his book at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Battle Creek, Mich. Zondervan pulls criticized book: A book on Christian leadership, based on kung fu imagery, has raised an uproar in the Asian-American community and led Zondervan to take it off the market. Church stores 'not immune': Church bookstores and cafes "can face some of the same financial pressures as for-profit businesses during a down economy." The (Riverside, Calif.) Press-Enterprise Bookstore owners' 'spiritual chronicle': The new book "Pass the Word" is a "spiritual chronicle" of Tom and Shirley Stiller, founders of the former Password Christian bookstore in Natrona Heights, Pa. 'Deadly Viper' critic's case: A critic of Zondervan's "Deadly Viper Character Assassins: A Kung Fu Survival Guide for Life and Leadership," says "it's inappropriate to use an ancient culture to simply market the book when it's not really about martial arts." |
