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“ More” is the theme for the 2012 CBA International Christian Retail Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla., July 15-18. In a culture that constantly demands more, we, as Christians, have more than we could ever need through the redemptive work of Christ and the Scriptures. But, as an industry, what more can we do to inspire our communities, our culture, and our world? This year’s ICRS highlights ways we can do more with less, have more ministry impact, and cultivate more compassion and love for our brothers and sisters through the store.
The event will emphasize Christian stores as ministry connectors in their local communities, said Curtis Riskey, CBA executive director. He said the annual summer event also gives Christian store retailers previews of new Bible, book, film, and gift-and-specialty product releases that will launch in the second half of the year and next spring. It’s also a time to learn about and solve challenging business issues; connect with leading Christian pastors, authors, musicians, and artists; and interact with fellow retailers, suppliers, and industry leaders.
“The harvest is white and we need more workers in the field,” Riskey said. “This theme will be evident in every aspect of ICRS.”
Christian Stores on Mission:
Christine Caine, founder of anti-sex-trafficking ministry A21 (A21Campaign.org), is the keynote speaker at the General Session Sunday, July 15. She will talk about her global ministry to bring justice to victims of this horrible slavery and degradation of mostly women and children. She will set the stage for ICRS’s special emphasis on fair trade business that can extend Christian stores’ ministry outreach from their local communities to around the world.
The Fair Trade in Action special exhibition on the exhibit floor is a multimedia, experiential walk-through presentation that tells the story about missional outreach and shows how stores are and could be participating in it. Sales of products contribute to economic development in emerging economies – development that often helps people escape human trafficking, prostitution, drugs, and other ills common in impoverished nations. It also connects Christian stores as ministry partners to churches, ministries, and missions both locally and around the world.
Fair trade items are a relatively recent addition to Christian stores. This emphasis will encourage more retailers to get involved, offering insights from those who have done it or who provide special missional products.
ICRS Resonate Film Festival:
ICRS is a key launching pad for new Christian media with preview screenings and interviews with the people behind the productions, including directors, actors, producers, and others. CBA is working in cooperation with Propeller consulting of Nashville to launch the inaugural Resonate Film Festival to highlight new faith and family-friendly films and DVDs that bring positive life messages to a struggling culture. DVDs and related resources are a growing part of Christian stores’ outreach and sales. ICRS makes it easier for retailers to see new works and be prepared to answer customers’ questions or tell a richer story about these projects to increase understanding and sales back at the store.
The festival will compile comprehensive information on all ICRS Christian film events and known film releases for easy planning.
Children’s Trends:
In a time when some parents delay naming newborns until they check domain name availability -- the first step toward Internet identity -- the family is being reshaped and redefined. Mary Manz Simon, Ph.D. and early childhood education expert, will explore implications of screen-hopping digital natives at the beginning of the digital age in a special session featuring research findings, product-trends examples, and free samples to retailers.
For more information visit www.Christianretailshow.com
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