Christian Retailing

Munce, MTL point consumers to Christian retail Print Email
Written by Christine D. Johnson   
Monday, 27 June 2016 09:23 PM America/New_York

KirkBlank-Munce2016Florida-based Munce Group celebrated a quarter-century of service to Christian retailers at its annual supplier appreciation breakfast Monday at Unite 2016 in Cincinnati.

Acclaimed musician Keith Getty spoke to the many suppliers present at the event. His focus was on missions in China, and he highlighted a 1931 hymn he and his wife, Kristyn, rewrote. “Facing a Task Unfinished” is the title track for the group’s new album.

The focus seemed fitting as Bob and Marni Munce had a mission background in Africa. At 50, Bob started Munce Marketing Group in 1991 after a retailer asked him to do so. In the early days of the organization, Munce developed a method for bringing Christian products to Kenya and other developing countries. He eventually settled in Florida, where the distribution business and his retail store were located.

In 2006, Munce launched More to Life (MTL). Although the MTL brand and the magazine of the same name is tailored to consumers, Blank said it all points to the Christian retailer as the source of the product to meet felt needs.

“MTL is one of those ways that we are growing the awareness of Christian product,” Blank said.

The magazine has been distributed through 300 Christian retailers and through various other venues such as churches and hospitals.

“We are certainly optimistic about the future,” Blank said, reiterating what Getty said in his talk. “There is a need to connect people with the life-giving message of Jesus Christ.”

Nearly 70 retailers have signed up so far for Munce Group’s next event, CPE (Christian Product Expo), Sept. 18-20 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Munce has hosted CPE, which is designed to encourage and equip retailers, since 2003.