Faith Films vs. Family Films

Okay retailers, I need your help. I am writing an article for an upcoming issue of CBA Retailers+Resources on the subject of faith films versus family films, and I need to explore the idea of how retailers are now choosing what to stock in their stores.

So, what do you think? How do you decide what to carry? How much do your customers' demands influence your purchasing habits? Where do you draw the line what's appropriate? Is it okay for a Christian retail store to carry more mainstream products like Hannah Montana DVDs? What is actually selling your stores today? If we stripped away all family films, what would your core inventory really be? And perhaps more importantly, what do you want to see from the studios?

My deadline is Wednesday so hurry and either post your comments here or email me! Thanks much!

Comments

[Bill]

By being a Christian Bookstore – you are limiting your customers and your financial viability. How often to people by “christian” books or “christian” movies.

No – QVC and HSN have the trend correct – you need to be connecting with your customers on a daily or weekly basis. Not a monthly, annual or once per decade to replace a bible basis.

Therefore, we offer many fine secular titles. Its not just Family movies (including Disney – which we love). But its homeschool titles that are secular, beauty products that are secular (but with a “made in the holy land” twist such as our Anti Aging Face Serum or our Nahara Purifying Body Spritzer made with water from the River Jordan at the place Jesus was Baptised. ). We seek to connect with consumers on a daily basis – and unless customers are buying “christian” products every day then you have to think outside the box.

Sell more christian products to christians, or sell more products to a bigger audience? We are taking our little retail light out there into the world!!!!!!

Here is the real deal. If you don’t sell your customer that secular title, then Borders or Barnes and Nobles will. And then they will also sell them that faith based title you stock too.

So instead of whining that Borders, Walmart and Barnes and Noble are moving into “our” territory – its time that Christian retailers got off their collective ministry based duffs, and went and invaded the secular retailers territory for once. My goodness, you can make money selling a home decorator throw, or a pillow, or a copy of Star Wars.

So, we may be passionate here, but we just love shopping. Love it love it love it. And so we will take any opportunity to sell any product we can to a customer. Because one day, when they really need guidance regarding an issue in their life – they will come back to us, because we had the relationship all these years!!

And if we could sell Cheesecakes, Crab Cakes and Beefstakes grown by Christians – we would ! And we are out there looking for those suppliers now………

Watch out QVC, we are heading your direction……..