“Beyond the Shelves” Report Illuminates Retailer Strength and Growth

San Luis Obispo, CA: Today, The Parable Group released its highly anticipated 2024 State of Christian Retail report, a comprehensive analysis providing invaluable insights into the current climate of the Christian retailing industry. Titled “Beyond the Shelves,” this report draws on robust data from more than 200 U.S. Christian bookstores, representing an impressive $84 million in sales, 2.26 million consumer receipts, and extensive nationwide survey results. Offering invaluable insights, the report serves as a guide for businesses and ministries navigating the evolving landscape.

The key findings of the report are nothing short of inspiring:

• 2023 Christian retail sales witnessed a substantial 8% increase over 2022, with an impressive 79% of stores reporting a surge in sales. This growth is attributed to strategic inventory management, the introduction of new product lines, and adept pricing strategies.
• Notably, same-store sales experienced a remarkable 20% increase over 2019 figures, signaling the industry’s resilience and surpassing pre-pandemic performance levels.
• A January 2024 nationwide survey further solidifies this positive outlook, with 92% of Christian retailers expressing optimism about the future.

Despite the positive report, 2023 posed its share of challenges. Christian Retailers grappled with inventory acquisition hurdles, supply chain disruptions, increased costs, freight concerns, and external influences. However, their exceptional adaptability shines through, with survey results revealing that an impressive 97% of respondents adjusted their retail strategies during the year. Tactics included active social media promotion (74%), adjustments to inventory mix (60%), and increased prices to retain margins (46%). Additionally, over half of retailers employed marketing through catalogs, emails, and websites.

Christian retailers experienced a remarkable revival in community engagement and in-person events, fostering a renewed sense of connection among customers. Recognizing the potency of their distinctive qualities, retailers strategically leveraged their personalities to establish a local edge. This involved creating inspirational atmospheres, delivering personalized services, and assuming the role of trusted advisors.

Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group, conveyed deep admiration for Christian retailers, stating, “Our cherished retail partners consistently inspire us through their agility and unwavering resolve. Motivated by a greater purpose and a genuine love for their mission—these retailers are making a remarkable kingdom impact.”

To access the full report, interested parties can click here. Additionally, a guided tour of the report will be offered through The State of Christian Retail webinar on February 20th at 10 am PST. Registration for the webinar is available here.

The Parable Group, based in San Luis Obispo, CA  is dedicated to empowering Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries in magnifying their mission. As a data-driven marketing agency and media group, The Parable Group specializes in connecting its clients with engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders. With a rich history of service since 1985, the group has successfully served over 1000 Christian organizations. For more information, contact sally.ross@parablegroup.com or visit www.parablegroup.com.

Contact: Sally Ross, (805) 329-4020, sally.ross@parablegroup.com

Nashville, Tennessee – Feb. 1, 2024 – W Publishing Group, an imprint of Thomas Nelson, is pleased to announce the promotion of Allison Carter to the position of Senior Publicity Director. In her new role, Carter will oversee the publicity efforts for W Publishing Group, a leading provider of inspirational and Christian books.

Throughout her career at W Publishing Group, she has consistently demonstrated a deep knowledge of media relations and positioning for authors and their books. She has also implemented an innovative approach for W Publishing’s book publicity campaigns and has contributed to the success of numerous New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Evangelical Christian Publishing Association, and Publishers Weekly bestselling books including Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table by Louie Giglio, Becoming Free Indeed by Jinger Duggar Vuolo, The God of the Way by Kathie Lee Gifford and Like a River by Granger Smith.

As the Senior Publicity Director, Carter will continue to develop and execute comprehensive publicity campaigns and will collaborate with media outlets to maximize visibility for each title’s release. She will be liaison to the company’s teams of publicists across all imprints and will continue to mentor new talent.

“Allison’s promotion to Senior Publicity Director is a well-deserved recognition of her skills and dedication to our authors and their messages,” said Caren Wolfe, VP of Marketing, W Publishing Group. “She is committed to achieving the highest level of success possible for every campaign, consistently raising the bar when it comes to securing media opportunities for our authors.”

Thomas Nelson is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian content and has been providing readers with quality inspirational product for more than 200 years. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curriculum and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information visit www.thomasnelson.com.

knk Software, a leading provider of software solutions for publishers and media houses, announces the appointment of Michael Fox as their Vice President of Operations. Reflecting knk’s recent growth and expansion, this newly created position is designed to strengthen the organization’s ability to further enhance its service to clients and to support the team in adapting to the evolving dynamics of the industry. He will play a pivotal role in overseeing the daily operations of knk, leveraging his extensive knowledge of operational management.

Michael brings substantial experience in various leadership roles, having successfully overseen operations and strategic initiatives with renowned publishers, including Wiley, where he held the position of Director of Operations. With a demonstrated history of navigating complex operational challenges, consistently improving client satisfaction, and fostering a culture that encourages both innovation and sustainable growth, his background aligns with the goals of knk.

“I’m honored to join knk and contribute to the company’s mission,” says Michael. “In this new capacity, I’m looking forward to collaborating with the team to drive success in this ever-evolving industry. Together, we’ll navigate the exciting challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Sebastian Mayeres, CEO of knk Software, expressed enthusiasm about Michael joining the team, stating, “Michael is very well-equipped to lead knk Software’s operations into a new era of growth and innovation. As an established industry leader, knk is dedicated to providing the best of service to its clients and ensuring their ongoing success. Michael’s operational expertise will directly benefit our clients by continuing to ensure the delivery of high-quality software solutions and an exceptional customer experience.”

About the knk Group   
The knk Group has 450 customers in the publishing and media industry across North America, Europe and Asia with offices in the US, UK, France and Germany.  knk develops and distributes knkMedia – the only Microsoft-certified software for publishers and media worldwide. It complements the range of services provided by Microsoft Dynamics 365 with publishing-specific functionality for book, magazine, and specialist publishers and is based on the latest Microsoft technology. The software can be used in the cloud as well as on premises. In addition, the knk Group offers Power BI, CRM (knk365 for Media Sales), Customer Engagement (knk365 Market Insights) and Marketing Automation (knk365 Marketing Automation) solutions dedicated to meet the publishing and media industry’s needs.

Press Contact: Cheryl Spais, knk Software LP, 908-206-4599, Cheryl.Spais@knk.com, knkMediaSoftware.com

CHICAGO and LONDON – In its commitment to further refine its shared services model, Independent Publishers Group (IPG) has announced the reorganization of its global management team.

IPG has appointed Tim McCall as its new VP of Sales. Leveraging his extensive experience in both Big 5 and independent publishing, McCall will lead IPG’s US sales team to develop and implement dynamic new sales strategies. McCall will also manage IPG’s Barnes & Noble account. In a recent communication to publishers, IPG’s CEO, Joe Matthews, said, “I am very enthusiastic about bringing an experienced new leader to the business. I hope to see the sales team become more publisher-centric and focused on those customers and special sales that make the most impact for our publishers and the authors they serve.”

In his expanded role as VP of International Trade Sales, Scott Hatfill will lead an initiative to establish domestic UK trade accounts, one of several strategic sales initiatives for 2024. In addition to his sales responsibilities, Hatfill will collaborate with IPG’s business development team to open new international distribution channels and sign new publishers to IPG’s portfolio. IPG’s UK Head of Sales, Michelle Zappa, and the domestic UK sales team will continue to drive academic and professional sales in the UK, Europe, and the rest of the world (excluding the US) through IPG’s Eurospan program.

IPG’s VP of Business Management, Mark Noble, who served as the company’s VP of Operations for over a decade, will oversee the department again as part of an expanded interim role. Clark Matthews has been appointed to oversee IPG’s Chicago warehouse and the Digital Print team while continuing to serve as the VP, GM, Book Manufacturing and Distribution Center Services.

IPG has promoted Brooke O’Donnell to Senior VP of International Business Development, where she will continue to sign publishers to IPG’s Trafalgar Square Publishing and Spanish language programs. IPG has also promoted Sidney Thompson to Business Development Manager, where she will track IPG’s pipeline of new business, draft and review contracts and provide a point of contact for IPG’s publishers.

About Independent Publishers Group:  Founded in 1971, IPG was the first organization specifically created for the purpose of marketing titles from independent presses to the book trade. Today, IPG’s wide reach into the book market includes distribution of both print and e-books from a wide array of publishers, digital printing and traditional publishing. With consistent growth year over year, IPG’s success has come from supporting and encouraging the growth of its publishing partners in the United States and worldwide. IPG was acquired by Chicago Review Press in 1987, and this acquisition formed the parent company Chicago Review Press, Inc., which now owns Chicago-based indie publishers Chicago Review Press and Triumph Books. In 2021, IPG acquired UK-based United Independent Distributors (UID) and its subsidiary companies Eurospan, Marston Book Services and Orca Book Services, extending IPG’s global menu of services.

Contact: Julia Dillman, Corporate Communications, 312.337.0747, jdillman@ipgbook.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn., January 2024 – Zondervan Books, a leading publisher of Christian literature, today announced the addition of Amanda Woods as publicity director. Zondervan Books is the home to multiple award-winning books and bestselling authors including Rick Warren, Shauna Niequist, Craig Groeschel, Lee Strobel and Rebekah Lyons.

Woods joins the company with a plethora of experience in publishing, including the last seven years on the publicity team at Tyndale House Publishers. Woods’ previous publicity campaigns have landed coverage in national outlets including GMA Faith Friday, NBC’s TODAY, and multiple shows on Fox News Channel, to name a few.

“Amanda comes to Zondervan with rich experience in publicity strategy, innovation, leadership and execution,” said Mark Glesne, Vice President, Marketing for Zondervan Books. “We’re absolutely thrilled to have her join our team and our mission to impact the world.”

As publicity director for Zondervan, Woods will use her gift of building strong relationships with  both media representatives and specifically work to effectively broaden media exposure for Zondervan authors and have fun while doing it.

“I’m truly honored and excited to begin this next chapter in my publicity career,” said Woods. “I look forward to linking arms with the team at Zondervan to strategically strengthen our presence in the media space, and ultimately elevate our authors’ voices and stories, pointing a lost world to the truth of who Jesus is. I count it a privilege to use my talents and skills for such important Kingdom work.”

Woods is a 2008 graduate of Illinois State University with a degree in public relations and a minor in psychology. Prior to her publishing career, she gained experience in event planning, community relations, nonprofit fund development, and volunteer recruitment and management.

Zondervan is a HarperCollins Company and part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing. Zondervan is a world leading publisher and provider of Christian communications. The company’s products are sold worldwide and translated into nearly 200 languages. Zondervan offices are located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. For additional information, please visit www.zondervan.com.

Contact: Zondervan Books, ZBooksPR@HarperCollins.com

Carol Stream, Ill. (January 24, 2024) In April 2024, NavPress will release The Message Student Bible, a new way for young people to understand and enjoy the wisdom and beauty of God’s Word through Eugene Peterson’s beloved translation, The Message.

Generations of Bible readers have discovered that the Bible is written not only to people in the past but also to people in the present. In these pages, readers become insiders to a conversation in which God forms, guides, and ultimately saves human beings. The Message Student Bible invites a new generation into this holy conversation, guiding young men and women into a lifelong love of reading God’s Word.

This Bible will enable students to learn the essential context surrounding every book of the Bible as they engage with Scripture. Eugene Peterson’s understandable and enjoyable translation combines the authority of God’s Word with the energy and cadence of conversational English. New supplemental features will make this a highly useable and engaging resource for contemporary students as they seek to discover the way of Jesus in the pages of the Bible.

Features include

• “Introduction to The Message”
• “What You Need to Know about the Books of the Bible”
• “Well-Known Stories from the Bible”
• Maps

The Message Student Bible releases April 9, 2024.

The Message Student Bible
Softcover: $24.99 | ISBN 978-1-64158-796-9
Hardcover: $34.99 | ISBN 978-1-64158-804-1
April 9, 2024
NavPress.com

NavPress is the book-publishing arm of The Navigators. With a rich catalog of bestselling books, ministry resources, and The Message^® Bibles, NavPress supports readers as they know Christ, make Him known, and help others do the same.^®  Since 2014 NavPress has been in a publishing alliance with Tyndale House Publishers, one of the largest independently owned Christian publishers in the world. NavPress resources are sold, distributed, and marketed worldwide through Tyndale House Publishers.

Contact: Kristen Schumacher, kristenschumacher@tyndale.com, 630.784.5103

Ada, Mich. (January 24, 2024)—Baker Publishing Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Brian Vos to the position of editorial director for Baker Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Vos began his publishing career at Baker Publishing Group in 1999 holding various roles in marketing prior to joining the Baker Books acquisitions team in 2009. Since that time, he has helped grow the Baker Books division through strong acquisitions and editorial work with authors such as Robert Jeffress, Caroline Leaf, Matthew Barrett, and New York Times bestselling author Jon Acuff.

“Brian has proven himself as a talented and insightful editor who excels at helping his authors elevate their work. He’s also a keen strategic thinker with a strong vision for the Baker Books division,” said Jennifer Leep, Executive Vice President of Trade Publishing. “We look forward to seeing the Baker Books team continue to thrive under Brian’s leadership.”

“It’s an honor to step into this new role at Baker Books, a growing imprint with a clear vision for the future,” said Vos. “I’m looking forward to working with exceptional authors and our talented team to share remarkable, life-changing messages with readers around the world.”

Baker Books has a vision for building up the body of Christ through books that are relevant, intelligent, and engaging. We publish titles for lay Christians on topics such as discipleship, apologetics, spirituality, relationships, marriage, parenting, and the intersection of Christianity and culture. We also publish books and ministry resources for pastors and church leaders, concentrating on topics such as preaching, worship, pastoral ministries, counseling, biblical reference, and leadership.

Baker Publishing Group publishes high-quality writings that represent historic Christianity and serve the diverse interests and concerns of evangelical readers.

Contact: Holly Scheevel, (952) 829-2555, hscheevel@bakerpublishinggroup.com

Nashville, TN (January 25 2024) –  Today the HarperCollins Christian Publishing Gift Group announced that Jessica Lamb has joined the Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift imprints as acquisitions editor.  Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift are industry leaders in Christian gift book products, publishing meaningful, high-design books.

Lamb has nearly a decade of experience in Christian book publishing, most recently as Chief Content Officer at She Reads Truth.  Her experience also includes roles in marketing and publicity at WaterBrook & Multnomah, imprints of Penguin Random House. Lamb earned a BA English Literature and Language at Ouachita Baptist University, a Certificate in Publishing at University of Denver, and an MA in Biblical and Theological Studies from Denver Seminary.

“Jessica is an accomplished editor with extensive experience in the Christian publishing industry,” said Laura Minchew, SVP and Group Publisher of the Children’s and Gift Book Group at HarperCollins Christian Publishing.  “She will be a great asset to authors with her understanding of topics and trends that work in the marketplace, extensive experience in shaping manuscripts, strong eye for design, absolute commitment to excellence, and collaborative spirit. We are delighted to welcome her to the Gift team.”

As acquisitions editor for Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift, Lamb will identify, acquire, develop, and edit Christian gift books, high-design devotionals, seasonal gift books, traditional gift books, and lifestyle books.

“It is my absolute joy to join the team at Thomas Nelson Gift and Zondervan Gift in crafting beautiful, impactful books,” said Lamb. “I look forward to partnering with authors to pair compelling, faithful content with thoughtful design.”

Publicity contact: MacKenzie Collier, MacKenzie.Collier@HarperCollins.com

WHY CAN’T I GET IT TOGETHER? — THE LATEST BOOK BY TOP-CHARTING PODCAST HOST & BESTSELLING AUTHOR JAMIE IVEY — ENCOURAGES READERS TO EXCHANGE THE WAY THINGS ARE “SUPPOSED TO BE” FOR A LIFE FAR MORE FULFILLING

Known for meaningful conversations about life and faith on her popular podcast, The Happy Hour (45.5 million downloads), Jamie Ivey brings the same transparency to the page in her latest book, where she reminds readers they aren’t alone in wanting “better,” but first they have to give up the pursuit of perfection. 

“Ivey strikes a relatable tone that will easily earn readers’ trust. Her steadfast reassurances to ‘chase holiness rather than looking or feeling like you have it together’ resonate. This will be a balm to stressed-out believers.” – Publishers Weekly

_________________________________________________________________

(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) November 28, 2023 —“I always thought the older I got, the more I’d have my life in order,” admits Jamie Ivey, host of one of the fastest-growing podcasts, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, and author of the forthcoming title, Why Can’t I Get It Together? (2/13/24, HarperCollins).

That revolving door of “I know better but I can’t seem to do better” can get the best of anyone. Who hasn’t said, “I should be over this by now”? Who hasn’t been discouraged at falling into the same traps, the same old habits, the same struggles for perfection or control over things beyond our grasp?

As Jamie Ivey freely admits in this book, the struggle is all-too-real sometimes. Yet her newest title presents a welcome opportunity—one that she has personally experienced: the opportunity to escape the cycle of shame and frustration and open the door to a new path. A path that leads to greater peace and a surprising sense of personal satisfaction.

Sharing honest stories of her own relatable struggles—from marital conflicts to parenting challenges to physical insecurities—Jamie Ivey understands the flawed perceptions that keep people from living in the present moment and enjoying life as it’s meant to be enjoyed. For example, she writes, “When it comes to taking care of my body, I wonder how everyone on Instagram makes it look so easy. Do they wake up every morning and choose to drink water all day? Somehow they get to the gym five times a week and still have a job and family and friends. I can’t figure it out. No carbs? No sugar? No dairy? No fun! It’s hard to find what makes me feel good and doesn’t just push me toward wanting to look good. My body insecurities keep creeping up while I’m just trying to be healthy!”

The popular pattern of trying to “get it together” is essentially to embark on a hopeless quest. We have to exit the revolving door, she says, in order to find a new path. And what Ivey has discovered in her own journey is how much better it is to spend one’s energy on embracing the transforming power of God’s love versus spending it in the strive for the ideal.

Our own efforts to get it together in areas we have no control over, says Ivey, will “never move the needle to a better future because it has nothing to do with us or anything we can do. You don’t always have to give in to what the world, your family, or your own self declares is the way things are ‘supposed’ to be. God desires goodness and joy for us. [He] went to great lengths to offer you and me the best good news ever.”

To help move that needle toward joy and away from perpetual frustrations, Ivey guides readers through an examination of six critical areas of their lives:

1. Past and Present Hurts
2. Obligations
3. Needs
4. Desires
5. Expectations
6. Responsibilities

This inventory can then be used to map out what “getting it together” means for each person.

Ivey’s credibility on the subject matter stems from her breadth of experience as a writer, speaker, mother, wife, and podcast host. Her immensely popular podcast, boasting 4.5 million downloads and over 600 episodes, has become a gathering place for meaningful conversations about life and faith. Ivey’s ability to share raw, redemptive stories from her own life, coupled with her gift for delivering God-empowering messages, has garnered her a dedicated and diverse following.

Her fans and new readers alike will be relieved to give up the futile pursuit of perfection and redefine what it means to fully embrace themselves from a divine point of view and gain a personal definition of self-satisfaction that is achievable for them. Why Can’t I Get It Together? offers valuable insights on such relevant topics as:

• How to get clear on your reality and shatter the illusion of the ideal
• How to deal with the areas of life that seem stubbornly out of your control
• How to put an end to the unhealthy spiral of self-shaming
• How to set healthier expectations that won’t damage your sense of satisfaction
• How to take steps toward a life of chasing holiness

Jamie’s latest work is a fresh reminder that we are all in this together, and there are rewarding ways to enjoy life for exactly what it is.

Why Can’t I Get It Together?: Kick Unrealistic Expectations to the Curb and Rest in God’s Truth will be available everywhere books are sold on February 13, 2024. Learn more at www.jamieivey.com/get-it-together. Subscribe to Jamie’s podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, or other streaming services. Follow Jamie Ivey on social media @jamieivey on Instagram, @jamie_ivey on X (formerly Twitter), and @TheJamieIvey on Facebook. To learn more about Jamie, visit www.jamieivey.com/read.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: JAMIE IVEY is the creator and host of the popular podcast, The Happy Hour with Jamie Ivey, a central gathering place for talking about life and Jesus, which boasts 45.5 million all-time downloads and 600+ episodes. Jamie is an author who shares gospel truths with raw, redemptive stories from her life. She loves to deliver God-empowering messages to women. Jamie and her husband, Aaron, live in Austin, Texas, with their four teenagers and two dogs.

ABOUT THE PUBLISHER: THOMAS NELSON is a world-leading publisher and provider of Christian content, providing readers with quality inspirational products for more than 200 years. With over 250 new, original books and Bibles published each year and distributed in more than 100 countries, translating content into more than 65 different languages, Thomas Nelson is committed to one central mission: inspiring the world by meeting the needs of people with content that promotes biblical principles and honors Jesus Christ. As part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., the publishing group provides multiple formats of award-winning Bibles, books, gift books, cookbooks, curricula, and digital content. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, visit ThomasNelson.com.

Lake Mary, Fla.—President and founder of Christians Engaged, Bunni Pounds, will be featured on Charisma Magazine Online for a question-and-answer session with guest host Corey Russell. The live, interactive session will allow for audiences to engage with Pounds as she tackles the biggest topics about Christians in the political system on February 6 at 4:00 p.m. EST.

As dedicated Christians in government become far and fewer, Pounds will provide the proper tools and Scriptural basis to show how everyone—regular citizens and beyond—can get involved in government to see a lighter and brighter change in America happen and illuminate the glory of God.

In her new book, ‘Jesus and Politics,’ Bunni Pounds delves into these topics, which she will open the floor for viewers to ask questions about. As her heart and passion is to see America ignited for Christ, she wants to empower and equip people with the knowledge they need to make a difference.

“All parts of our culture, especially politics, need followers of Jesus to be involved within the system,” Pounds writes. “I want to inspire you to get involved somewhere. The founders of our nation gave us a gift in our Constitution, but our liberty requires our participation.”

Pounds also says that beyond the political realm, we all have the opportunity to make a difference for the Kingdom of God; each interaction we have is an open door for us to genuinely make an impact on someone else’s life.

“Seek to hear Jesus’ voice, know His Word, and be daily obedient to Him—this is how we change the world,” Pounds writes. “My story might be walking with members of Congress, but we can all impact someone’s life somewhere. Our nation is changed one heart and life at a time, and God loves to use weak vessels just like us.”

Viewers can tune in to Charisma Magazine and Charisma News YouTube and social media channels on February 6 at 4:00 p.m. EST to watch this special live question-and-answer session.

You can watch the Q&A here:

• Charisma Magazine Youtube
• Charisma News Youtube
• Charisma Magazine Facebook
• Charisma News Facebook
• Charisma House Youtube
• Charisma Magazine X
• Strang Report Rumble

Bunni Pounds is the founder and president of Christians Engaged, which seeks to awaken, educate, and empower Christians to pray, vote, and engage regularly in efforts to improve the nation’s well-being. She was a political consultant for sixteen years, helping several members of Congress run their campaigns in addition to serving more than thirty federal, state, and county candidates through her firm. In 2018 she ran for Congress herself, becoming the only candidate in the nation endorsed by Vice President Mike Pence during that primary season. A graduate of Christ for the Nations and Dallas Baptist University, Pounds loves Jesus and sharing the gospel with anyone who will listen—whether she’s in the halls of Congress or her own hometown. She and her husband, Tim, have been married since 1996 and enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren.

Keep in touch with Bunni Pounds:

• Website: https://www.bunnipounds.com/, https://christiansengaged.org/
• Facebook: bunnipoundsTX, christiansengaged
• Twitter: @bunnipounds, @prayvoteengage
• Instagram: @bunnipounds, @christiansengaged
• YouTube: @christiansengaged