A message from Geni Hulsey, president of the Church Bookstore Network:

The first Virtual Christian Retailing Show is about to come to a conclusion, having been extended to mid-September to meet the demand for the service. And what a great experience--to be able to go online and shop just as though I were at a physical show ... but without the hotel room or airline ticket.

There are specials, presentations about new products, links to company catalogs and Web sites. There are also Webinars where I've heard great sales and merchandising tips about apparel from the folks at Kerusso and better ways to display wall art from Carpentree.

Beginning Sept. 30, you also will be able to visit the Virtual Christmas Showcase, once again hosted by Christian Retailing magazine. Vendors will have virtual booths, and through a variety of media, will show you new and exciting products for Christmas.

Buying for Christmas was always one of my favorite things. Customers are always excited to see what is new and unique in your store for this time of year. They want to find that special gift-be it a book, a CD or a nativity set.

The Virtual Christmas Showcase will give you opportunity to see the new books that will release, the wonderful Christmas music that will be available and gifts that will be just the right thing for someone who comes into your store. There will also be new Webinars to inspire and teach us about different categories in our stores.

Can you tell I am excited about this new way to shop? I remember when my store was too small to warrant a visit by a road rep from many of the wonderful vendors in our industry. It was difficult to find information about the newest products in a timely fashion.

Back then, my only source was Christian Retailing magazine and the informative articles, book reviews and advertisements. Now, not only do I have the printed and digital issues of the magazine, along with The Church Bookstore and Inspirational Gift Trends supplements, but I also have this great cyber-show sponsored by that same great trilogy of publications.

So, mark your calendar--Wednesday, Sept. 30--and join the 4,000-plus visitors who came to the last Virtual Christian Retail Show. You can find out more at www.christianretailing.com.