In the May 30 article "CBA Faces Change, Answers Its Critics," we don't know where PWgot the reasons it offered as fact, or why they chose not to use the reasons we gave them for some recent changes at CBA, but it is not complicated. CBA is laser-focused on serving Christian retailers and leading the industry to address the five critical issues facing our channel (trust, traffic, efficiencies and systems, passion for excellence, and profitability and capitalization). These priorities drive everything we do. We believe when we help Christian retailers succeed and grow stronger through solutions, benefits and events, suppliers win as well.
Like all retail, our channel has experienced attrition, but our retail membership has declined only 2.6% since January '04. But CBA success is not defined by our number of members, but rather how successful our member retailers become.
The International Christian Retail Show is a new show with lots of new features—warranting a new name, but not for the reasons PW suggested. The fact is, the strong CBA brand has carried over into multiple uses—with people using "CBA" to refer to the trade association, its convention and the entire marketplace. But we want to make it clear that the show is not about an organization, but about and for the Christian retailer—that's the real reason behind the new name. We've listened carefully to retailers and they want a memorable experience, which is what we aim to deliver. Developed through input of the Convention Reinvention Committee plus extensive retailer and exhibitor surveys, the new show will offer new flexible floor hours, a new exhibit floor layout, new industry issues—focused Super Sessions, new awards and personality events, and much more.
The new magazine, AspiringRetail, equips Christian retailers with practical, innovative retail solutions to build success. Being an "aspiring Christian retailer" is not about store size or longevity, but about perspective, desire, attitude and commitment. As the association for the Christian retail channel, we lead through influence, not dictate, and we remain committed to developing the aspiring Christian retailer because they are vital to the future of bookselling.
Bill Anderson,
President & CEO, CBA
O Canada
While I was flattered by the profile of me and my role at McClelland & Stewart in your June 13 issue, I must correct one egregious misquote: "I still have a Coulter doll I can stick pins in." Never said it. Would never even think of doing it. Ann Coulter is an author I edited while at Crown and one of the most professional, hardworking, gracious, funny, and loyal writers I have ever had the honor to work with. My respect for her and our friendship remain strong. What I remember saying to PW in discussing what I left behind and carried with me from New York publishing to Canada was, "I still have my Ann Coulter doll." Although I am not quite up to speculating why, I am afraid the story added words—and pins—I never intended.
Doug Pepper
President and publisher
McClelland & Stewart Ltd.
Kudos
Just wanted to say what a terrific job you have done with the magazine. A first-class look that is easy to read. Great job all round.
P.S.: Quills idea is fantastic. Appreciate being nominated.
Kat Martin, Author
Subscribers, please note:there will be no issue of PW for the week of July 4. We will resume with our July 11 issue.
