(October 22, 2020) – The Parable Group, a California-based marketing agency and media group, today unveiled two web-based, data-driven initiatives designed to drive traffic into Christian retail stores—local Branded Websites and a complete revamp of the Get It Local Today website platform.
Branded Websites, which launched mid-September, provide retailers a cost-effective and modern website solution with powerful features for their customers. Each site contains a full Christian product offering and displays the store’s on-hand inventory (from nightly POS feeds) allowing customers to conveniently reserve items online and pick them up in-store—reducing health risks and bypassing shipping delays amid the pandemic.
The new websites have been well-received by independent retailers, including Dove Christian Supply, Cedar Springs Christian Store, Dightman’s Bible Book Center, and Parable Christian of St. Joseph & Hallmark Gold Crown, with over 50 websites launched in advance of Christmas. Christian retailers who need a new store website this fall can fill out this interest form.
Additionally, the web-based Christian store-supporting platform Get It Local Today has been revamped and enhanced. The platform, which launched in 2018 in coordination with Covenant Group, offers shoppers receiving promotional emails from publishers—or shopping on publisher websites—the option of buying products at local Christian stores as an alternative to Amazon and big-box retailers. Recent website improvements include an updated modern look, upgraded user experience, enhanced search, and an expanded product database. Get It Local Today is free for retailers and publishers; hundreds of Christian retailers are signed up to participate—representing a nationwide and industry-wide network.
Christian retailers can enroll here; it only takes a few minutes for a retailer to give permission to allow their store to be listed and set up for data reporting, letting customers know which products are in stock at their store.
“Our aim is to help retailers thrive in their ministry and adapt to a fast-changing marketplace, says Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. “We’re honored and delighted to serve a broader network of Christian retailers with data-driven technology solutions that connect local customers to the life-giving products in their stores.
To learn more about Branded Websites or Get It Local Today, visit The Parable Group’s Retail Help Center here.
The Parable Group helps Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries magnify their mission by connecting them to engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. The San Luis Obispo, CA based data-driven marketing agency and media group has served over 1000 Christian organizations since 1985. For more information, contact sally.ross@parable.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.
Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020 sally.ross@parable.com
WESTMONT, IL-InterVarsity Press (IVP) is pleased to announce a groundbreaking new initiative to continue its reputation as a leader in multiethnic publishing. The Every Voice Now (EVN) initiative features a sizable fund underwritten jointly by InterVarsity Christian Fellowship and IVP for the purpose of supporting the development, marketing, and sales of books by authors of color as well as aiding in the recruitment of diverse staff and the deepening of the organization’s cultural competency.
Nashville, Tenn. (October 23, 2020) – Nelson Books, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, today announced two promotions within its marketing staff. Mark Glesne will be senior director of marketing for Nelson Books, specifically focusing on Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst author brands, and Stephanie Tresner will become a director of marketing for Nelson Books.
Stephanie Tresner joined the company in 2008, serving in various marketing and brand management capacities for Thomas Nelson. Throughout her tenure, she has spearheaded innovative marketing campaigns for New York Times bestsellers including Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis, Uninvited by Lysa TerKeurst, A Serial Killer’s Daughter by Kerri Rawson, Scary Close by Donald Miller, A Year of Biblical Womanhood by Rachel Held Evans, and I Said Yes by Emily Maynard Johnson.
Nashville, Tenn. (October 14, 2020) – ICON Media Group announces the firm has hired Robin Barnett as Vice President of Public Relations. Most recently, Robin was the Director of Public Relations for Zondervan, a HarperCollins Company.
Bright lights, cookies, presents, and Santa Claus. That’s usually what young children think of when it comes to Christmas. However, it’s important for them to learn what we really celebrate December 25. This year families with toddlers and preschoolers can introduce their children to the real reason for the season with Jesus Came for Me: The True Story of Christmas (New Growth Press/October 19, 2020) written by Jared Kennedy and illustrated by Trish Mahoney.
[NASHVILLE, TENN., October 19, 2020—] Dr. Sean McDowell is a leading Christian voice on hot-button and controversial topics, including evolution, atheism, evil and suffering, pornography, sexuality. A popular apologist, speaker, podcaster and bestselling author, McDowell brings a Christian worldview to difficult cultural situations.
October 16, 2020 — WHEATON, Ill.—Crossway is pleased to announce innovative updates to the Bible browsing experience on
(Colorado Springs, CO)—Magazine Training International (MTI) will head to Ghana in September 2021 to host a series of professional training events for Christians in magazine publishing. If it is possible to gain reliable Internet access for streaming, MTI plans to offer a virtual training event simultaneously. Although MTI has offered online training since 2014, this will be the first attempt to combine virtual training with an on-site experience.
Carol Stream, Ill. (October 15, 2020)—In light of Covid-19 safety concerns, Tyndale House Publishers will host its Annual Warehouse Sale completely online this year, from Monday, November 9, to Sunday, November 20, at 




