Print and broadcast journalists are busy compiling their Best of 2006 lists, and Christian retailers will soon have the opportunity to give their verdict on what products have been most important this year.

Nominations open in a few days for the seventh annual Christian Retailing Retailers Choice Awards in which Christian retail storeowners, managers and frontliners get to tell which new products they most appreciated making available in the last 12 months.

Several new categories are being introduced for the 2007 awards, reflecting the ongoing changes in the market. The 30 categories will include audiobooks, Bible study and Bible reference for the first time.

Increasingly recognized as an important Christian retailer endorsement of new Christian products, the Retailers Choice Awards attracted a record 300-plus nominations from book, music, video/DVD and gift suppliers last year.

Nominations for new Christian products introduced during 2006 open Monday, with a special early bird offer. Suppliers nominating products before Feb. 1 will qualify for one free entry for every five submissions.

Nominations cost $50 each, with full competition details available online at www.retailerschoiceawards.com and to appear in the Feb. 12 issue of Christian Retailing. Voting will take place in May with the winners to be announced during the International Christian Retail Show in Atlanta, in July.