"Retail is not out of the woods yet, but consumers felt comfortable enough last month to spend on more than just necessities," said Rosalind Wells, NRF chief economist. "As we head into the essential fourth quarter, retailers will likely continue aggressive promotions and discounts to bring people back into stores."

Charity Glass Designs of Ashburn, Va., has introduced two new crosses for the Christmas shopping season. Handmade in Italy, the Large Glass Cross is available in pastel or bold colors and comes gift-boxed.

Each cross is made by fusing together tiny slices of glass cane. It is then tumbled in a heated kiln of special sand and crushed walnut shells for seven days. The sand rounds out the corners of the cross, and the shells give it a high gloss shine. No two crosses are exactly alike.

What type of today's customer is buying ballcaps, beanies and other headgear? "For ball caps, it's younger guys, but all age groups still buy. Beanies are strictly youth, and Fedoras go up to young adults. Girls buy fashion hats and beanies."

List based on sales data for Sept. 1-30, 2009, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Oct. 25
Buyers Cash & Carry Wholesale Mart at Valley Forge
The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center
Oaks, Pa.
717-796-2377
www.marketsquareshows.com

Oct. 31-Nov. 2
Charlotte Boutique Expo
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, N.C.
770-410-9771
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.gtshows.com

"I think Cause Marketing is great. I intend to launch my business by sowing a percentage of each sales by to 30 non-profits in exchange for them marketing and advertising my product."

Renee' E Carter

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Right Stuff Kids Children's Books is offering its specials to Christian retailers in the Virtual Christmas Showcase, an online exhibition and training event.

More than 20 suppliers have so far signed on for the Virtual Christmas Showcase-running Sept. 30-Nov. 30-hosted by Christian Retailing magazine and focused on the holiday season. In addition to highlighting products and specials, the online event also includes interviews, new release spotlights and other offers. The virtual show has drawn nearly 1,500 visitors from 43 countries since it began at the end of September, with more than 4,800 page views.

Nominate the Industry Person of the Year

Christian retailers, suppliers and insiders, nominate the person you think has made a significant impact on the Christian retail industry this year. It could be anyone-a new or established author or artist, a local sales representative or a company CEO. In a sentence or two, tell us why you nominated them.