New online community to benefit women
Stationery company DaySpring launched a new Web site for women this month. The site, www.incourage.me, aims to reach Christian women and build long-term relationships with them.

"We saw a gap in what was available for Christian women-especially those under the age of 40," said Holley Gerth, editorial director at DaySpring. "At the same time we saw a significant rise in social media and sites like Facebook, Twitter and other forms of online connection. So we began to ask ourselves, ‘What if those two worlds came together?' "

Gift training at the Virtual Christian Retailing Show

Carpentree offers its Webinar on "Successful Art and Gift Sales," and Kerusso presents "Keys to Apparel Sales Success." Both recorded sessions will be available through the end of the month. Carpentree's Webinar can be viewed here and Kerusso's here.

Carpentree gets the Christmas spirit
New snowman products, shipping in October from Carpentree, share the joy of Christmas at a value price.

1. WWJD Woven wristband

List based on sales data for July 1-31, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Aug. 29-Sept. 1
The Fort Lauderdale Gift Show
Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center
Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
678-285-EXPO (3976)
www.ftlauderdalegiftshow.com/27/Home.htm

Sept. 12-14
September Total Home & Gift Market 2009
Dallas Market Center
Dallas
800-DAL-MKTS (325-6587)
www.dallasmarketcenter.com

We asked: Christmas will be here before you know it. Many Christian retailers are buying now for the holiday season, and gift selections likely will expand at Christmastime. What special events might Christian retailers consider now as they plan for the holidays? How can they draw more traffic into their stores in the run-up to Christmas?

"Christian retailers are the best source for gifts that help people share their faith in everyday life. From a marketing perspective, when you are the best at something, promote it-in your store window, in your fliers and advertising, with your displays, everywhere.

With the economic environment causing many people to rethink their priorities, tighten their financial belts and choose to spend more time at home-with some even taking a "staycation" instead of traveling-how can Christian gift retailers meet the need for family-oriented games and activities?