Christian Retailing

CBA in South Africa and Canada to close Print Email
Wednesday, 28 March 2007 08:00 PM America/New_York

Christian bookseller associations in South Africa and Canada are closing down, citing falling attendance at their annual trade shows as part of the reason.

The Christian Booksellers Association of South Africa (CBSA) is to cease operations March 31, following what President Grant Neuper called a “strategic assessment day” by the board.

The group's annual convention, a “cornerstone” of its work, “no longer plays the significant role that it once did” because of changes in sharing product information, buying and the falling number of independent retailers, Neuper said in a statement.

Founded more than 40 years ago, CBSA had “assisted greatly in getting our industry to where it is today,” he said.

Board members of CBA Canada-which marked its 35th anniversary in 2005-have decided to dissolve the association with effect from April 30, said Executive Director Marlene Coghlin.

“Declining membership, lower attendance at annual trade shows and a net loss of stores ... has impacted the ability of CBA to negotiate new benefits and services for its members,” the organization said in a letter. The decision to cease operations had been made “in the spirit of stewardly management,” it added.

Originally founded as international chapters of CBA in the U.S., the two organizations became part of the new independent Christian Trade Association International two years ago when CBA helped launch the new group to encourage international expansion of the Christian products industry.

Read the full story in the May 7 issue of Christian Retailing.