Christian Retailing

A high tide for faith-based films Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 08 March 2010 10:52 AM America/New_York

Stores expectant as inspirational movies make waves with media, at the box office


A high tide for faith-based filmsFaith-based movies are making waves in theaters and bringing hopes of a high tide for Christian retailers. Ancillary product tie-ins and DVD sales present opportunities for stores to benefit from the strongest mainstream media buzz about Christianity on screen since Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ in 2004.

While the success of Fireproof prompted some headlines in 2008, a bumper crop of recently released and forthcoming faith-based productions has drawn widespread attention.

Among them is Oscar-nominated The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock and based on the true story of an unabashedly Christian, white family's adoption of a homeless African-American teen who becomes a football star.

Family Christian Stores (FCS) offered a pre-buy special for last month's DVD release of The Blind Side, with the chain announcing that it would give a portion of proceeds from sales to provide tuition assistance for Christian education to foster children.

Meanwhile, thanks to grass-roots support from Christians—similar to that which helped Fireproof debut in theaters—teen-oriented movie To Save a Life prompted numerous news reports when it premiered in January. The film had "a decent opening" despite its limited release, according to the Los Angeles Times, which noted strongest ticket sales in smaller markets.

Produced by evangelism and church resource organization Outreach and distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, the movie—made for $500,000—had earned more than $3 million at press time, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com.

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen suicide and drinking, To Save a Life stars Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazzard, The Last Hurrah) and Deja Kreutzberg (Law and Order) and revolves around an all-star athlete forced to make major changes in his life.

To Save a Life also featured several retail-related Outreach products, including a novelization by screenwriters Jim and Rachel Britts and Devo2Go—an interactive audio devotional featuring members of the cast—as well as curriculum and student kits. The theatrical release was to be followed by church-based screenings, with a DVD release set for later this year.

FCS Divisional Merchant Manager Tim Way called To Save a Life "not your standard Christian film. The approach is raw, but to be less so would be unrealistic."

Also released in January was Preacher's Kid, which stars former Destiny's Child member LeToya Luckett. Made by Gener8Xion Entertainment, affiliated with Trinity Broadcasting Network and the company responsible for The Omega Code and One Night With the King, the film—billed as a modern-day version of the Prodigal Son story—debuted in 100-plus theaters in 33 cities nationwide.

Meanwhile, Letters to God—directed by David Nixon, one of the producers of Facing the Giants and Fireproof—is scheduled to hit 750 theaters nationwide April 9. Inspired by a true story, the movie is about 8-year-old brain cancer patient Tyler (Tanner McGuire, House, M.D.; Lost), whose prayers take the form of letters to God, which he composes and mails daily.

Following the grass-roots efforts by the makers of Fireproof and To Save a Life, the movie's promoters recently traveled nationwide to rally support from local church leaders for the film.

Related products include the Hope Is Contagious boxed cards from DaySpring and the God's Got My Back tees, hoodies and water bottles from Hope Apparel. Zondervan released last month Letters to God: A Novel by the movie's co-director Patrick Doughtie and John Perry; the Letters to God Bible from Robert Wolgemuth, general editor; a picture book and journal.

Meanwhile, filming recently began in Oahu and Kauai, Hawaii on the inspirational life story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, a Christian who, at age 13, had her left arm bitten off by a tiger shark in October 2003.

Based on Hamilton's Soul Surfer: A True Story of Faith, Family, and Fighting to Get Back on the Board (MTV Books), which was sold in some Christian bookstores, the film, also called Soul Surfer, currently does not have a release date.

The movie stars AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany; Dennis Quaid as her father, Tom; Helen Hunt as Bethany's mother, Cheri; and Carrie Underwood as church youth leader Sarah Hill. Bethany, now 19, has become a top-performing pro surfer despite her injuries.

Soul Surfer is being made by Mandalay Vision, Brookwell McNamara Entertainment and Life's A Beach Entertainment, and to be distributed by Affirm Films—the faith label of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. Meanwhile, Courageous—the follow-up to Fireproof—is being marketed by Provident Films, in association with Affirm Films. Courageous is scheduled to be released in theaters in 2011 and set to begin filming in late April or May in Albany, Ga.

Sony Pictures Entertainment and Affirm Films called Soul Surfer Hamilton's "story of loss, courage and faith in God."

"Bethany's story exemplifies personal faith, family unity, the guiding influence of a Christian youth-group leader and the trust of a 13-year-old girl who, weeks before the accident, began praying that God would make clear her purpose in life," said Lovell-Fairchild Communications, the public relations firm that is publicizing Soul Surfer to the Christian retail channel.

Doug Schwartz, co-writer of Soul Surfer's screenplay, added: "I've been a writer and producer for the past 32 years, and I've never encountered a more inspiring true story than Bethany Hamilton's. The movie will encourage people worldwide to rise above adversity."

Hamilton's autobiography has sold nearly 1.5 million copies since its publication in 2004. A sequel, Soul Surfer–Now a Movie, is planned in conjunction with the theatrical release.

Elsewhere, the third movie in "The Chronicles of Narnia" film series is scheduled to hit theaters Dec. 10. In The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie (Skandar Keynes and Georgie Henley), along with their cousin Eustace Scrubb (Will Poulter)—find themselves swallowed into a painting and onto a fantastic Narnian ship headed for the edges of the world.

Walt Disney Pictures dropped its plan to co-finance Dawn Treader last year, but 20th Century Fox agreed to partner with Walden Media. The second movie in the "Narnia" series, Prince Caspian—which had a $215 million production budget—was considered a disappointment in 2008, earning $419 million worldwide, a drop from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe's worldwide total of $745 million.

Disney balked at the cost of Dawn Treader, which is projected to have a $140 million production budget, and opted out. The "Narnia" agreement with Disney was at one time said to include a total of nine features based on the popular books by author C.S. Lewis.

 
Leadership expert John Maxwell leaves longtime publisher Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 08 March 2010 10:47 AM America/New_York

Best-selling author signs multi-book contract with Hachette Book Group to 'extend his influence'


Leadership expert John Maxwell leaves longtime publisher Leadership author John Maxwell is on the move, joining with a new publisher for his next book, due in the fall of 2011.

Maxwell recently signed a three-book contract with Hachette Book Group (HBG), leaving longtime publisher Thomas Nelson. The Five Levels of Leadership, based on a series of messages, will release through HBG's Center Street imprint.

"John Maxwell is the world's most influential authority on leadership," said Rolf Zettersten, senior vice president and publisher for Center Street. "His books and speeches on this topic have changed lives and entire organizations. It's an honor to work with him again, and we look forward to publishing his international best-sellers that will extend his influence."

Maxwell has released dozens of titles in the past two decades with Thomas Nelson, including Leadership Gold, Developing the Leader Within You and Teamwork Makes the Dream Work. Michael Hyatt, president of Thomas Nelson, cited the company's "long and productive relationship" with Maxwell, pointing to a strong backlist of the author's titles.

"Though he decided to go with another publisher for his next few books, we still have the bulk of his backlist and intend to be good stewards of that library of marvelous content," Hyatt said. "John and I have spoken since he made the decision, and our friendship remains solid. I am committed to doing everything I can to help him succeed in getting his message to as many people as possible."

Center Street also recently acquired mass-market paperback rights for some of Ted Dekker's previous novels and began releasing them last month. Adam (Thomas Nelson), Dekker's 2008 hardcover thriller, was one of the titles to be released.

Kevin Kaiser, brand manager for Dekker's management company Creative Trust, said the decision to go with Hachette for mass-market rights was to broaden the author's audience.

"It's a straightforward reason: to introduce Dekker thrillers to more readers," he said. "There is a vast audience that buys mass-market editions as a way of trying new authors without the cash outlay of a hardcover. Reaching out to them is a strategic move in growing Ted's brand, and we're excited to be partnered with the experienced team at Hachette."

Last year, Dekker exercised an option in his multi-year Thomas Nelson contract for an annual thriller released by Center Street. This year's title, The Bride Collector, was to be released this month. His next Thomas Nelson title, Immanuel's Veins, is scheduled to release Sept. 7.

Meanwhile, Thomas Nelson recently announced a new contract for three upcoming books by Andy Andrews, author of The Noticer and The Traveler's Gift, which includes two nonfiction titles and The Boy Who Changed the World—a children's book based on his 2009 release, The Butterfly Effect.

Matt Baugher, vice president and publisher for Thomas Nelson, said he believed that the "best is yet to come" from Andrews and "we couldn't be more proud to continue our fortunate publishing relationship with him."

 
Publishers eye the future of e-books Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 08 March 2010 10:30 AM America/New_York

Apple's iPad reader welcomed as possible 'game changer'


Publishers eye the future of e-booksAs Apple's entry into the e-book reader market—the iPad—arrives, Christian publishers are looking to embrace what some are calling a "game changer" for the book world.

Zondervan and FaithWords are scheduled to offer books on the new device, with Thomas Nelson expected to be among other evangelical publishers joining in.

Announced in January and rolled out late last month, the iPad will work in conjunction with a digital book store, iBooks, and already has agreements with Hachette Book Group USA, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster, MacMillan and Penguin Group (USA).

Karen Campbell, director of public relations for Zondervan, part of HarperCollins, said all Zondervan product would be available in the iBook store by July. FaithWords, a division of Hachette, will also have titles in iBooks.

Although a deal was not yet signed at press time, Thomas Nelson was also expected to join the group of Christian publishers with iPad offerings. Lindsey Nobles, director of corporate communications, told Christian Retailing that it's the company's "intention to sign a distribution deal, but we have not yet seen an agreement, nor has Apple shared details regarding implementation."

Mark Kuyper, president of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, told Christian Retailing that the new device has the potential to be a "game changer" for publishing. At the same time, part of its appeal lies in its ability to allow customers to carry along other media with their e-books.

"I think it's a really significant device in that it brings all of media into one portable unit that people prefer to see their media on instead of a phone," he said. "Where it's different from an e-reader is that e-readers are dedicated devices."

Kuyper also said that whereas Amazon had been setting prices for Kindle versions for sale on its site, early reports of Apple allowing publishers to set their own prices for their books for the iPad could have "significant ramifications" for the book industry.

Aaron Linne, digital marketing manager for B&H Publishing Group, said that in addition to the potential for digital book sales, the new device's integration with Apple's existing iPhone applications give it an advantage over other digital-media devices.

"Digital books are only a part of the iPad, proven to be a viable product through both the Kindle and Barnes & Noble nook," said Linne, noting that B&H released five successful iPhone applications connected to its books last year. "The advantage of the iPad is its ability to use all of the current iPhone apps, which can bring a new level of interactivity to the content."

Linne said he believed that even in the midst of the digital boom, there could be future opportunities for independent retailers to benefit.

"As the industry moves towards specific formats for digital products, it will be great to see how Christian retailers find ways to offer the digital versions both online and, more importantly, in their brick-and-mortar stores," he said. "Christian retailers have the huge advantage of a strong connection with their customer base, and being able to add the personal touch to digital purchases is something no online-only retailer can do."

In recent months, publishers have expressed frustration with the limited profit they receive through Amazon's pricing structure, which discounts digital versions of hardcover titles to $9.99 on the Amazon Kindle reader. The online retailer had a public dispute with MacMillan in February, which resulted in the temporary removal of the publisher's titles from Amazon's Kindle store.

Last year, Zondervan, Baker and Tyndale were among those offering Bible translations for the mobile reading device. Recently, Bethany House Publishers and Zondervan began offering free versions of some its best-selling titles from authors such as Beverly Lewis, Rob Bell, Brandilyn Collins, Tracie Peterson and Terri Blackstock, which topped Kindle best-sellers lists.

 
Harvest House Publishers founder Bob Hawkins dies Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 08 March 2010 10:27 AM America/New_York

Widely respected figure was 'a visionary in Christian publishing' whose 'legacy will far outlive him'


Harvest House Publishers founder Bob Hawkins diesHarvest House Publishers founder R.H. "Bob" Hawkins Sr., a widely respected figure in Christian publishing, died Feb. 9 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was 87.

Hawkins received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA) and the Life Impact Award from CBA. Hawkins was instrumental in the establishment of ECPA, serving several terms on its board and as its president from 1985 to 1986.

ECPA President Mark Kuyper said Hawkins was "a visionary in Christian publishing whose role in developing Christian authors, publishing Christian books and leading ECPA remains a profound legacy for our industry," adding: "We are grateful to God for the calling he was obedient to. He will be missed."

George Thomsen, chairman-elect of CBA and manager of the Harvest Store at Harvest Christian Fellowship in Riverside, Calif., said Hawkins' impact in publishing Christian literature "has been far and wide, and a tremendous blessing to Christ's church."

He added that Hawkins' "commitment to faithfulness to the Scriptures in his publishing efforts is exemplary and is an inspiration to our industry." His legacy "will far outlive him, and we are thankful that Harvest House continues to operate in a way that typifies what Bob stood for and is honoring to Christ," Thomsen said.

Writing on his blog, literary agent Chip MacGregor noted that Hawkins helped develop The Christian Reader, was instrumental in launching the careers of James Dobson and Tim LaHaye, was the salesman "who almost single-handedly made The Living Bible successful," started Harvest House Publishers and "created countless, good Christian books." MacGregor added that it was "hard to list all of his accomplishments in Christian publishing."

Hawkins and his wife owned and operated two Christian bookstores before he went on to become the vice president of sales and marketing for Tyndale House Publishers. He started Harvest House Publishers in Irvine, Calif., in 1974 at age 52, working out of his garage and a small office, company officials said. Within two years, four Harvest House titles had sold more than 100,000 copies. Hawkins moved the company to Eugene, Ore., in 1981 because of the quality of life he envisioned it would offer for his staff.

In 1991, Hawkins, then 69, turned over the reins of the company to his son, Bob Hawkins Jr. Harvest House best-selling author Stormie Omartian said Hawkins was "a man of integrity."

Hawkins is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley, three children and four grandchildren. A memorial service was held Feb. 23 in Eugene, followed by a private burial.

 
Berean Christian Stores president resigns Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 07 December 2009 04:21 PM America/New_York
Bill Simmons steps down due to personal reasons, launches consultancy

Bill-Simmons-2Bill Simmons has stepped down as president and CEO of Berean Christian Stores, less than three months after leading the regional chain through bankruptcy.

His October resignation was a personal decision and not related to the business, said Deanna Gimelli, who with her husband, Joseph, bought the Cincinnati-based chain for almost $2 million in August.

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Bargain book business continues to grow Print Email
Written by Eric Tiansay   
Monday, 07 December 2009 04:16 PM America/New_York
Second remainders show added as supplier plans expansion

A Christian remainder house based in the Midwest—which has a permanent showroom in New York City—plans to construct a multimillion-dollar distribution center to meet growing demand.

Jerry-BloomJerry Bloom, president of Treasures Media—comprised of a 500-square-foot store, online business and wholesale arm—said he expects to break ground on the new facility in Racine, Wis., in March 2010. To be located in an industrial park, the 80,000-square-foot distribution center—expected to cost $3 million to $4 million—should be constructed by October 2010, he said.

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Longtime CBA head steps down Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 07 December 2009 03:53 PM America/New_York
Board search begins for replacement for 24-year retail leader Bill Anderson

CBABillAndersonA major era in the Christian products industry has ended with the sudden departure of the longtime head of the Christian retailers organization, Bill Anderson.

His resignation as president and CEO of CBA after almost a quarter-century caught many by surprise when it was announced by the Colorado Springs, Colo.-based group Oct. 30. No reason was given for his leaving.

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Christian Supply stores close in Northwest Print Email
Written by Staff   
Monday, 09 November 2009 08:05 AM America/New_York
Regional chain owned by industrialist downsizes, shuts eight locations

A regional chain in the Pacific Northwest, Christian Supply Centers (CSC) recently downsized, closing eight of its stores in September. The chain, owned by Oregon industrialist Robert Pamplin, still operates five stores in Oregon, Washington and Idaho.

GunnarSimonsenJim Shelley, manager of the chain's store in Spokane, Wash., replaced former General Manager Gunnar Simonsen, who departed the company prior to the store closings. Shelley, who was not available to comment, will lead CSC with increased focus on the five remaining stores in cites such as Beaverton, Ore.; Spokane, Wash.; and Cour d'Alene, Idaho.

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New releases a 'SNAP' with STL Distribution Print Email
Written by Staff   
Friday, 23 October 2009 09:02 AM America/New_York

Distributor's initiative offers Christian bookstores 'a way to keep up' with publishers' new titles


STL Distribution North America (STLD) is anticipating the results of its new program to help stores keep on top of new releases.

The first shipment in the distributor's SNAP initiative went out in September. So far, more than 30 stores across the country have signed up for the program, launched at the International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) in July.

SNAP—standing for STL New Auto Placement—offers a 43% discount on 10 new titles selected by STLD from several publishers, and automatically ships two copies of each.

RickRegenfuss"We were thinking that some of the major publishers have increased their margins so much that some of the smaller stores aren't able to really do business with them anymore," said Rick Regenfuss, STLD vice president of sales and marketing. "We thought that perhaps there was a place for us, where stores might outsource that part of their ordering to us."

The monthly selection, made by STLD staff, includes large and small- to mid-size publishers. "We choose what we believe are going to be the top 10 releases for that specific month," Regenfuss said.

Enrollment for the program is for a minimum of six months for stores with current STLD accounts, and the books can be returned if retailers are uncomfortable with the content or doctrine.

Dennis Lovvorn, owner of New Covenant Christian Bookstore in Shelbyville, Tenn., who signed up for the program while at ICRS, told Christian Retailing that it was too early yet to judge SNAP.

Though he has been in business 15 years, he thought that having help in identifying strong new releases could be useful. "When you are wearing 73 different hats, sometimes it's hard to keep up with all the new releases as well as you would like," he said. "It's just a way to keep up with them."

Meanwhile, Editorial Unilit has launched an "As Seen on TV" campaign—geared to assist Christian bookstores in promoting the sale of new Spanish releases and reach customers "straight to the heart."

"Currently, Christian booksellers are facing two realities: the global economic crisis and the abundance of new releases produced each month," said Editorial Unilit Vice President for Sales and Marketing Luis Fernandez Jr. "Which book do we choose, and how do we promote it among so many new titles? Considering the needs of the Christian population, we firmly believe that 'As Seen on TV' is the solution."

More than 200 bookstores throughout Latin America and the United States are taking part in the campaign, which features audiovisual materials offering customers information about the latest releases, company officials said.

 
Bible market heats up with exclusives Print Email
Written by Staff   
Friday, 23 October 2009 09:01 AM America/New_York

Zondervan's Wal-Mart line , Nelson specials for Christian retail

 

Competition for Bible sales has heated up as the industry's two leading publishers introduce separate exclusives, new programs and revised products.

News of Zondervan's exclusive Wal-Mart editions launched in September prompted complaints from some Christian retail supporters disappointed by the move. Shortly afterward, Thomas Nelson announced a series of developments it said were "in direct response to the needs of Christian retailers and their customers."

Between them, the two companies have the lion's share of the Bible market, consistently dominating the best-seller charts with their New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV) libraries.

EssBibleSeriesAdvBibleZondervan's "Essential Bible Series" is available only at Wal-Mart through January 2010.

Featuring both first editions and repackaged best-sellers, the 12 titles include regular and large print editions of the NIV Study Bible, Large Print King James Version, The Busy Mom's Bible, The Adventure Bible and The Beginner's Bible.

"Wal-Mart appeals to shoppers because it's familiar and inviting, yet there was a clear opportunity in the Bible category to make the product more accessible and eliminate confusion," said Chip Brown, senior vice president and publisher of Bibles at Zondervan. The line "is presented in a simple and personal way to help make Bible selection easy, so that consumers can walk away feeling confident that they have put the right Bible in their cart," he added.

Commenting on the news at Christian Retailing's Web site, industry observers expressed concern that the decision would make it harder for Christian bookstores to compete with the retail giant.

"Thanks Zondervan," wrote John Samuels. "Now there's one more reason for customers not to visit their local Christian bookstore this Christmas season. When we're all out of business, is Wal-Mart going to sell the rest of your repertoire?"

One respondent defended the move. "Why all the hate towards Zondervan?" asked James Ring. "More people will see Christian products at Wal-Mart than will ever see them at a CBA store—and surely we want the world to read the Bible."

Nelson's efforts include six exclusive Bible editions for Christian retailers, switching its Bible range to a single ISBN system next year to make ordering easier and a new spinner-rack study-guide display that reduces the category's footprint.

The Christian retail exclusives—which will begin shipping next spring—include KJV and NKJV UltraSlim editions, the NASB large print MacArthur Study Bible and The Voice New Testament With Psalms and Proverbs.

Meanwhile, as Nelson debuted its complete The Word of Promise Audio Bible this fall, Zondervan has repackaged Inspired By... The Bible Experience, first released in 2007. The redesign emphasizes the celebrities involved in the production and features an 800 number on the cover that shoppers can dial to hear excerpts.

"We have given the project more of an overall entertainment look than a traditional Bible look," said Bran Scharp, Zondervan's vice president of Bible marketing.

 
New-look Howard Books gives 'Hugs' the cold shoulder Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 09 November 2009 07:56 AM America/New_York
Successful gift title lines discontinued as Simon & Schuster imprint relocates and turns to trade

Jonathan-MerkhThe Christian imprint of general market publishing house Simon & Schuster (S&S) since 2006, Howard Books is repositioning itself as a trade book publisher in the "New York of Christian publishing," according to Jonathan Merkh, Howard's vice president and publisher.

The company has shifted from publishing gift books—Howard was known for its best-selling "Hugs" series among others—to focus only on trade titles.

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