Christian Retailing

GIFT NEWS: Enesco Acquisition Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:28 PM America/New_York
Enesco acquires Department 56
Enesco has completed the acquisition of the Department 56 brand and key portfolio brands from Lenox Corporation. The acquisition includes brands such as Villages, Snowbabies and Possible Dreams as well as key D56 holiday and licensed lines.

Enesco has also hired a substantial portion of Department 56's current employees, including the sales force, and acquired certain inventory and other assets of Department 56. The company intends to keep offices in both Minnesota and California.
 
NEW PRODUCTS: Intelligently Designed Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:25 PM America/New_York
California company makes ‘preaching' apparel for youth
altYouth-oriented apparel company Him of the Garment's Intelligently Designed art will be available for shipping in August on a hoodie-shirt set and on totes. The company has also seen success with its Ain't But 1G (one God) hoodie. 

"We are preaching the gospel in every design, in every photograph and in the actual wearing of the product," owner Monica Kinnaird said. "So many of the shirt designs now are featuring skulls-which is a symbolism of death-and we represent life, Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
Read more...
 
NEW PRODUCTS: Hebrew Purity Ring Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:23 PM America/New_York

Cornerstone Jewelry Designs adds to purity ring collection
Hebrew Purity Ring CornerstoneCornerstone Jewelry Designs owner and artist Lisa Moyer released the new Hebrew Purity Ring (#CJDRO4, $24.95) in March. The ring is designed for single or married men or women.
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CATEGORY COACH: Figurines Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:20 PM America/New_York
Teresa Commerford, product marketing manager for "Willow Tree," Demdaco

altWhat trends do you see currently in the design of figurines?
"Rather than just being cutesy, figurine design is becoming more intentional with the purpose to convey a story or message. We are also seeing more simplicity in form and color (softness and neutrality)."

What are today's standards in pricing?
"The current state of the economy plays a large role in pricing standards. There is a fine balance in maintaining pricing that is customer-friendly, while also providing prices that work within each organization's operational model. Of course, every organization has their own model to maintain and tolerance level to speak to."
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TOP TEN GIFTS: Kitchen & Dining Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:18 PM America/New_York
Dicksons I Heart Jesus tumbler1. I Heart Jesus cup (Dicksons) $1 7-14611-00366-3
2. Cup of Hugs & Love, "Cup of Hugs" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $9.99 6-67665-18941-1
3. Cup of Joy, "Cups of Encouragement" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99 6-67665-18920-6
tie 4. Love mug (Christian Art Gifts) $7.99 6-00693-70926-4-8
tie 4. Nurse mug (Dicksons) $7 6-03799-29682-3
tie 4. So Thankful for You Mom mug (Dicksons) $8 6-03799-29230-6
tie 7. Cup of Friendship, "Cups of Encouragement" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $11.99 6-67665-18924-4
tie 7. Cup of Hugs for My Friend, "Cup of Hugs" (Lighthouse Christian Products) $9.99 6-67665-18940-4
tie 7. Smile God Loves You cup (Dicksons) $1 7-14611-00378-6
10. Joy mug (Christian Art Gifts) $7.99 6-00693-70926-2-4

List based on sales data for April 1-30, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.
 
INSIGHTS: Ancillary Products Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:16 PM America/New_York
alt"When a book or movie is launched, that's the best time to have your product out there. Stores can capitalize by making additional sales of ancillary products at the time they sell the book. Also, customers who enjoyed the book are likely to return and buy products they saw when they made their original purchase."
Lorri Carter, vice president of creative development, Kerusso (Extra Care: Making the most of ancillary products by Sherri Litza, Inspirational Gift Trends, June 9, 2008)
 
QUESTION OF THE WEEK Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:12 PM America/New_York
How can retailers increase sales of the food/drink items available in the inspirational gift market?

Let us know your thoughts at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
 
ANSWERS OF THE WEEK Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:08 PM America/New_York
We asked: Should Christian retailers get involved in the growing pet products market? Why or why not?

You responded:

"Yes! So many Christians are looking for ways of sharing their faith and Christian pet products are a given. I can see Christian women, youth and kids getting so excited to find cute things for their pets in Christian retail stores and love the idea that they have versing and cute Christian sayings on them. The men will enjoy them, but may not make the fuss over them as others."
Connie Abbott
Executive administrative assistant
Carpentree
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SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Tuesday, 05 May 2009 05:05 PM America/New_York
"He saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us confidence that we will inherit eternal life" (Titus 3:5-7, NLT).