How appropriate to read this on the final day of what was the most challenging year in the company’s history. We faced serious trials, but God carried us. We praise Him for His great provision and abundant blessing.
In our year end managers meeting, we read the following verse from our
Daily Light devotional:
The LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way that you went until you came to this place. – Deuteronomy 1:31How appropriate to read this on the final day of what was the most challenging year in the company’s history. We faced serious trials, but God carried us. We praise Him for His great provision and abundant blessing.
This is a great encouragement as we face the coming year; a year in which we expect continued headwinds for physical retail. In 2016 our challenge will be to create products that together with great retail experiences bring consumers back to stores.
New for 2016
Our product line up for 2016 is very exciting, with some of the hottest trends from last year continuing into the new year. The two biggest trends are adult coloring books and creative Bible journaling.
Adult Coloring BooksIn 2015, we published the bestselling adult Christian coloring book “Today Is Going To Be A Great Day.” It has been consistently featured on the Nielsen, Parable, and CBA bestsellers lists. So for 2016, we have great new products planned for both of these categories.
The most exciting new product is our creative journaling Bible. The first of its kind, this Bible contains nearly 400 hand drawn images featuring some of the most well known and loved verses from the KJV Bible. Release date is late Q1.
We also have 7 new coloring books to be released in Q1. These are in addition to the 3 coloring books we released in 2015, and the 4 new ones released this week.
Also for release in Q1 are several pencil sets, fine liner pens, coloring cards, and a display to house all these coloring products.
Prayer journaling is another trend to watch. Our new prayer journal should be in stock February 1. We have updated collections and new items across all of our product categories.
Creative Journaling BibleLook for our new 2016 comprehensive Christmas, Graduation, and Bible catalogs in the mail toward the end of January or visit our website to see what’s new.
New Website
We have seen a significant increase in retailers ordering online in 2015 and we expect this trend to continue. In order to provide first class support to our customers, we will be rolling out an improved website in early 2016. The expected launch is February 1st.
This new site will be a 24/7 customer service agent where orders can be placed, tracked, invoices printed, payments made, support cases opened, and much more. Additional improvements include a redesigned one page checkout, product lists, quick order entry, and account management.
Social Media
To complement our new website, Christian Art Gifts will continue to expand its web presence through social media.
We plan to communicate more consistently via social media and email throughout the year. Follow our blog, Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest accounts to stay up to date with new product release dates and everything else that is going on at Christian Art Gifts.
Office Remodeling
As much as we are growing our product line and our web presence in 2016, we do not want to neglect the bricks and mortar component of our company. Our home office is currently undergoing renovations that will better equip us to host customers and will also house a new photography studio.
The Road Ahead
Plan to see us at the following Tradeshows in 2016:
Jan 12-19 – Atlanta Gift and Home – Butler Showroom
Jan 20-26 – Dallas Home and Gift Market
May 15-18 – New York Stationery Show
June 26-29 – International Christian Retail Show – Booth #1320
Jul 12-19 – Atlanta Gift and Home – Butler Showroom
Jun 22-28 – Dallas Home and Gift Market – Keith Smith Showroom
With 2015 in the rear view mirror, our eyes are set on the road ahead. We have many things to be thankful for, many exciting things planned, and many opportunities to look forward to. Though challenges may come, God carries us.