The management teams of the California Market Center (CMC), LA Mart and California Gift Show have joined forces to launch a co-promotional campaign for summer, “How the West Is One.” Putting a spotlight on how the combined product offerings of the three venues create the largest gift and home market in the West, the new campaign is designed to maximize the buying experience for attending retailers.

As part of the unified message, the three venues will honor each other’s admission badges and provide free shuttle service between each location and host hotels.

Inspirational gift company The Blessing Collection offers high-quality framed blessings that celebrate life occasions and special people—and now furry, four-footed friends.

Charlene Quint Kalebic, owner and creative designer at the Lake Forest, Ill.-based company, appeals to dog lovers with a new dog blessing that in its larger sizes can be personalized with a pet’s name. Dog blessings come in various sizes, including 8-by-10-inch for $55 suggested retail and 11-by-14-inch for $95.

Lighthouse Christian Products has seen sales success with its Ark of the Covenant sculpture, and is now adding a similar product.

“The demand for both sizes continues to amaze us,” said Ed Nizynski, sales vice president, of the two formats available of the Ark piece.

Winners of the 2014 Christian Retailing’s Best awards will be announced Tuesday, June 24, at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in Atlanta. Todd Starnes, author of God Less America (Charisma House, May) and host of the “FOX News & Commentary” daily radio show, will present the 2014 awards, Tuesday, 9 a.m.-10 a.m., at the show floor’s Creative Pavilion stage at the Georgia World Congress Center.

Christian Retailing magazine, sponsor of the awards, invites all ICRS attendees to attend the free-of-charge awards presentation.

Christian retailer Danni Schneidt-Hill is looking to appeal to all kinds of moms with the gifts on offer for Mother’s Day. The owner of Promises "His" Coffee & Cottage Shoppe in Malta, Mont., says Mother's Day is “all about lifestyle” at her store.  

“Whether it's busy on-the-run moms, or a little more laid-back, enjoying-life type mom, our garden section is about ready to explode!” she said, referring to the array of products available. “We sell the usual flags, door mats, yard stakes and so on. This year we are adding indoor/outdoor floral chair pillows, light throws to throw over your shoulders for that early morning devo time on the patio with fresh brewed coffee. It's about celebrating moms and God's great beauty. 

Demdaco recently announced the extension of its licensing contract with Willow Tree artist Susan Lordi through 2020. Willow Tree line is now in its 14th year.

“Sue is someone who has not lost sight of her line,” Demdaco owner Dave Kiersznowski said. “She is steadfast in her insistence on focusing on the art of Willow Tree. Since its beginning, she has subtly changed and evolved the line with pieces carved in the round, color variations and carving details. We are so excited to explore where Sue wants to take the brand over the coming years. It’s a delight to be a part of her beautiful work.”

Sales for Barbour’s Moms, Dads, Grads Mega Promotion have been strong again this year, exceeding the company’s original sales projections.

“I am excited about the strong placement we’ve received in a variety of markets for our titles that have been developed for the Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and graduation selling season,” said Bill Westfall, vice president of sales at Barbour Publishing. “Sales are up 7% over last year, thanks in part to our strong product mix and great terms for the customer—including extended billing and free freight.”