CBA has launched a new online training platform for Christian retailers—CBA Thrive. It includes on-demand access to retail management and sales training, monthly live and interactive sessions, and ongoing coaching to equip retailers with practical materials and resources that the association says will help put theory into practice.

Kicking off this month, CBA Thrive is a program built on the Thrive RDS (Retail Development Services) platform developed by Mark Hutchinson, president of British Columbia-based Blessings, a Canadian Christian bookstore chain.

"CBA Thrive is all about business building," Hutchinson said. "It's not just the once-a-month seminar, but a portal that enables retailers to connect at virtually any time with experienced retailers to solve problems and get involved with other retailers to improve day-to-day store operations and increase sales."

Hutchinson is known for his turnaround of Blessings, once a 28-store chain that was in bankruptcy and on the verge of closure, but is now profitable and generating nearly $6 million in annual sales with fewer stores. He has 23 years experience in business leadership, including developing the Chem-Dry franchise, which operates 650 locations with a 120-member staff generating $84 million in annual sales.

Via the online program, retailers can receive audio and video recordings of each training session to share with store staff; email support; and input; and idea sharing with fellow Christian retailers.

Click here for more information on CBA Thrive.