Press Release
CHRISTIAN RETAIL SALES SURGE 9.7% YOY AT MID-YEAR MARK
(July 17, 2023) – The Christian retail industry is celebrating a significant milestone as mid-year sales data reveals a robust 9.7% increase compared to the same period last year. The Parable Group, a leading provider of data analysis and marketing solutions for Christian retailers, has meticulously analyzed sales and performance data reported to ParableConnect from over 220 independent Christian retailers nationwide, offering valuable insights into the market's growth.
Amidst ongoing economic challenges, Christian retailers have displayed exceptional drive and determination. From January to June of this year, same-store sales experienced a remarkable 9.7% surge compared to the corresponding period in 2022. Both receipt count and units purchased experienced positive gains, with a 5.3% increase in receipts and a 1.6% rise in units sold. While it is important to acknowledge that some of this year-on-year increase can be attributed to inflationary activity, these figures signify a healthy and steady growth trend within the industry.
An intriguing highlight from the data is the distribution of sales performance among reporting stores. Of the retailers reporting to ParableConnect, a remarkable 81% reported an increase in sales during the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year, while only 12% witnessed a decline. 7% of retailers reported flat sales and steady performance.
"The Christian retail industry has shown incredible tenacity and adaptability, overcoming various challenges while continuing to serve their customers with unwavering dedication," commented Greg Squires, President of The Parable Group. "As we enter the second half of the year, independent Christian retailers are primed to build upon their momentum and bring the year to a successful close."
In addition to the overall sales growth, the mid-year data also revealed the top-selling books within the Christian retail industry during the first half of 2023:
Jesus Calling for Moms – Sarah Young
Good Boundaries & Goodbyes – Lysa TerKeurst
Experiencing God – Henry T. Blackaby
Jesus Calling – Sarah Young
God’s Promises for Graduates: Class of 2023 – Jack Countryman
You’re Going to Make It – Lysa TerKeurst
All My Knotted Up Life – Beth Moore
He Gets Us – Max Lucado
Jesus Listens - Sarah Young
The 5 Love Languages – Gary Chapman
These books have resonated with readers, offering inspiration, guidance, and spiritual enrichment. Their popularity reaffirms the enduring demand for uplifting and faith-based books. It also illustrates Christian Retail's commitment to legacy authors and backlist.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, Randy Ross, Senior Director of Christian Retail Sales for The Parable Group, expressed optimism about the new books set to release, anticipating further increased traffic and sales in Christian bookstores. He stated, "Retailers are excited about the lineup of new books launching in Q4. Highly anticipated titles, including new releases from Christian Retail favorites like Ruth Chou Simons, Dr. David Jeremiah, and Anne Graham Lotz are expected to resonate with readers and drive significant interest, further fueling the health of Christian bookstores in 2023."
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The Parable Group, headquartered in San Luis Obispo, CA, has been a trusted partner to Christian retailers, publishers, and ministries for over three decades. With their wealth of experience and expertise, they connect their clients with engaged Christian consumers, pastors, and church leaders, providing invaluable insights and innovative marketing solutions.
