Rick Gunn/Nevada Appeal Bryan Hodge manager of the Manger Christian Book Store stands near one of the popular items in his store. The jewelry within the case is popular with shoppers and as gifts.
As Christians prepare for Easter Sunday, retail sales of candy and Christian goods also experience a rise.
At the Manger Christian Book Store on Cochise Street, shoppers are buying popular Christian books as gifts.
"It is getting stronger every day," said store manager Bryan Hodge. "With the tight economy, they are waiting until the last minute."
He said Lee Strobel's "The Case for Easter" is selling well, as is "The Rising," which is the new novel in the bestselling Left Behind series. Shoppers are also looking to give "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren because it was the book an Atlanta woman read to suspected courthouse shooter Brian Nichols before he turned himself over to authorities.
"Cross necklaces and pendants are selling," he said. "And Bibles. Grandparents and parents are buying them for their kids. One thing that is very strong is the DVD and video of 'Love's Enduring Promise,' which is the sequel to 'Love Comes Softly.'"
Victory Christian Center's bookstore, 300 Hot Springs Road, sells a lot of charismatic authors. Continued favorites are Joyce Meyer and Kenneth Copeland, said Pastor Marlene Wendell.
"Another book that is a best seller is 'Sparkling Jems from the Greek,' which is a daily devotional," she said. "It's a best seller all the time and a wonderful book."
The National Retail Federation's 2005 Easter Consumer Intentions and Actions Survey found that 75.9 percent of Americans plan to celebrate Easter, which is steady with 2004. But, consumers will spend less on average, which will reduce total Easter spending to $9.6 billion from $10.6 billion a year ago.
The report found that consumers will spend an average of $96.51 on Easter, down from $107.17 in 2004. Shoppers are expected to spend about one-third of their Easter budget on food, another $14 on candy, $15 on clothing and $14 on gifts.
Consumer experts are predicting a decline in apparel sales because Easter comes earlier this year. In 2004, Easter fell on April 11. This year marks the earliest Easter since 1989. Consumers predict it is too early in the year for shoppers to spend money on spring fashions.
Candy will be the most popular purchase, with 85.5 percent of shoppers planning to purchase chocolates and other sweets.
- Contact reporter Becky Bosshart at bbosshart@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1212.
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