Christian retailers cultivate church relationships to sell ever-changing curriculum

Of all the programs churches are traditionally known for, Sunday school remains one of the hallmarks. Through the years, formats, delivery methods, topics and the church audience itself has changed, causing curriculum providers to stay on their creative toes. 

‘Christian Retailing’ reflects on key happenings in our ‘Year in Review’ of the Christian products industry

Looking back on the year that was, 2013 presented the Christian products industry with new and ongoing challenges and opportunities. If you felt the year went by in a flash, take a few moments to ponder with us the substantive issues, key events and top products in the categories of Bibles, books, kids’ products, DVDs, gifts and music.

Christian products industry celebrates legacy of authors and artists who died in 2013

The Christian product industry saw the passing in 2013 of many influential authors, artists and leaders who have had a significant impact on the Christian products industry. From music pioneers to best-selling authors, the impact that they left on the industry is wide and lasting. As believers are urged to remember their leaders, to consider their way of life and imitate their faith (Heb. 13: 7, NIV), we look back on a number of those who have led the way for the church and our industry.

Key health and fitness titles find example in Old Testament figure

Many Christians are waking up to the reality that church fellowship may need to occur minus the usual rich food. To that end, Christian publishers say health and fitness books are becoming more popular, and the New Year is the best time for Christian retailers to recommend them to their customers.

Christian retailers explain their policies on stocking self-published books

With self-publishing becoming the norm for many authors today, Christian retailers must decide whether to stock books not published by traditional houses. We asked retailers: What is your store policy and practice regarding self-published books? Here is how they responded:

We support individuals who self-publish by offering a local consignment agreement whereby we give space to local self-published authors. We as a company receive 40% commission. The author is responsible to bring the product to the store and agree and accept our terms and conditions. All products must have an ISBN. They are responsible for any loss of product. If the product is not selling within a 90-day period, it is removed from the shelf and the author is responsible to collect it from us. If it is selling, we then renew the agreement on a rolling 90-day period. We allow self-published authors to come into the stores to do book signings on non-busy times of the year. We currently have 10 authors with consignment product. We do not allow more then 10 at a time, we have to be mindful of the space we are allocating to this service.  

Charismatic authors’ reach extends beyond traditional readership

More than one in four Christians today identify themselves as Pentecostal or charismatic, and many feel that this population is the fastest-growing in Christianity today. Yet perhaps nothing stirs debate within the global body of Christ-followers faster than the topic of the Holy Spirit. 

Devotional and prayer books help refocus believers on Christ in a fast-paced world

With multiple formats, attractive price points and new material by best-selling authors like Max Lucado, Beth Moore and Stormie Omartian, devotional and prayer books represent a strong niche for Christian retailers.