Elastic bracelet sales expanding

New Day Christian Distributors continues to increase its rubber-band bracelet offerings, with sales growing as well.

In August, the distributor started selling Band Eggz comprising 18 silicone wristbands in a clear egg, sold by the dozen. The company reports sales of more than 1,200 units.

New Day also sells Silly Bandz, which were initially animal-shaped bands but now have expanded to 12 different SKUs. To date, the distributor has sold 57,000 Silly Bandz, the biggest sellers being the Western style, mainly due to LifeWay's Western-themed VBS program, said Joanna Price, New Day director of marketing and promotions.

Carpentree’s wall art meets young mother’s need

An inspirational message on wall art from Carpentree has taken on an extra meaning for staff at the Tulsa-based gift supplier.

The company’s What Illness Cannot Do framed art offers practical help to stricken young mom Stephanie Barnes, for a portion of the proceeds from sales of the burnished copper-bronze piece goes to help meet the needs of the 33-year-old and her family. The art comes in floral and lion designs.

As we approach the New Year, we venture forward with a new bounce in our step, knowing that God has shaped us up for the coming year. For 2011, pick one objective to drive your company, stay focused on it, measure the results and build upon that success.

Consider holding quarterly “Creative Revolution” meetings, inviting the most opinionated, off-the-grid people you know. Do they need to be in the industry? Probably not. If they haven’t stepped into your store in the last year—or ever—they may be your best candidates. If they haven’t picked up a Bible or sent a greeting card in the last year or two, they may qualify. If they have school-age children, go to church but never attend Vacation Bible School, perhaps you need to listen to them.

At Artbeat of America, our parent company, we are inviting John T. Kunz, founder of Waterloo Records. Not only is he my wife Carla Tocquigny’s cousin, but he is way off the grid when it comes to retailing. Why ask John T.? He is a creative retailer who is all about experiential shopping. We expect to learn from him because he knows Americans are easily bored and are too busy to shop, so they must be motivated.

Bracelet reminds wearers of Christ’s sacrifice

Mend Mark, a bracelet designed to reflect the scars of the crucified Christ, aims to remind its wearers of the Savior’s love and sacrifice. When worn, the band resembles the holes of the nails driven into the wrists of Jesus at His crucifixion.

Creator Hunter Harrison has high goals for Mend Mark. In that light, he had the words “Remember Love” printed on the bracelet because, he said: “I wanted to unite people—Christians (no matter the denomination) and even people of other worldviews—on one common message: love. The love that Christ preached in particular.”

Collection celebrates ‘the greatest love of all’

Gift supplier burton + BURTON introduces this month a new Valentine’s Day “You are Loved” ceramic collection from artist Carla Grogan.

This collection—which includes a vase, mug and photo frame—offers a reminder during the month of love that “it is Christ who demonstrates the greatest love of all,” Grogan said.

1. Nativity Faith Bands (Swanson Christian Products), $2.99

2. Witness silicone (Gifts of Faith), $1.49

3. Faith Symbols Faith Bands (Swanson Christian Products), $2.99

4. WWJD woven (Dicksons), 99 cents

5. Live for Him rubber wristband (Kerusso), $1.99

6. God’s Girl Glittery Faith Bands (Swanson Christian Products), $2.99

7. Glow With God Faith Bands (Swanson Christian Products), $2.99

8. Love stretch bangles (Kerusso), $4.99

9. Plan of Salvation Faith Bands (Swanson Christian Products), $2.99

10. New Creation stretch bangles (Kerusso), $4.99

List based on sales data for Nov. 1-31, 2010, provided by Christian Books & More Gold and used with permission.

Dec. 6-7

1st Monday & Tuesday

Dallas Market Center

Dallas

800-DAL-MKTS (325-6587)

www.dallasmarketcenter.com

Jan. 12-19

The Atlanta International Gift & Home Furnishings Market

AmericasMart

Atlanta

800-ATL-MART (285-6278)

www.americasmart.com

“I've loved you the way my Father has loved me. Make yourselves at home in my love. If you keep my commands, you'll remain intimately at home in my love. That's what I've done—kept my Father's commands and made myself at home in his love.” (John 15: 9-10, The Message)