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Dear Catholic Retailer,
Catholic Stores provide a unique service to the Church and the Catholic faithful. Those who work in Catholic retail find it rewarding and challanging. In this effort you are not alone. The Catholic Retailers Association is a network of Catholic stores in the United States and Canada whose main purpose is to help you develop your ministry and business of Catholic retail.
The complete list of member benefits is listed in a separate article. Essentially, membership in the association provides you connection to a network of other store owners and managers. Through this connection come great ideas for the marketing, merchadising, management and ministry of your store. In addition, there is the opportunity to build great relationships with people who actually understand what it is like to be in Catholic Retail.
If you meet the requirements for membership shown below and are ready for support, ideas, information and assistance, I invite you to complete the membership application and join today!
Chris Weickert
CRA Director
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Your store listed on the website of the Catholic Retailers Association
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A common voice and communication with publishers and distributors on issues of concern to Catholic booksellers
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Member website containing information and articles for and about Catholic booksellers and bookselling - customer service, marketing, spirituality, merchandising, training, etc.
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A group email list for ongoing communication, sharing ideas, seeking information, etc.
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Access to the Catholic Retail Lending Library which includes the Retail Mastery System; eleven kits addressing the skills needed for success as a retailer.
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Yearly meeting at the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (RBTE)
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200 FREE Spring/Summer Spirit of Books Catalogs (imprinting and additional copies available at cost)
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200 FREE Fall/Winter Spirit of Books Catalogs (imprinting and additional copies available at cost)
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Bestseller lists and poster and recommended titles of participating booksellers
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Directory of Members
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Mailings from publishers on new titles, special terms, promotions
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2010-2011 Membership Application in Word format. The application can be filled in online or printed and faxed. Memberships run for July-June oriented around our annual meeting in June.
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There are many ways to engage in Catholic retail. Each of them provides a meaningful benefit to the Catholic faithful, but not all qualify for membership in the the Catholic Retailers Association.
Membership in the Catholic Retailers Association is limited to established retail locations serving Catholics that meet the following conditions:
- Physical store open to the public in a retail location. Maintains regular business hours.
- Operates with appropriate State liscences and tax ID.
- At least 50% of store merchandise is directed toward or appropriate for addressing the needs of Catholics.
If you currently operate a Catholic retail business that meets these criteria, consider becoming part of the Catholic Retailers Association. The association reserves the right to modify requirements. |
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The Catholic Retailers Association is nearing its 10th annuversary of providing support and resources for Catholic Retail Stores.
In 1999 and 2000 Catholic booksellers met at the Annual Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (RBTE) in St. Charles, IL and discussed the benefits and possibilities of forming an association.
At the Religious Booksellers Trade Exhibit (RBTE) in St. Charles, IL on May 31, 2001, 40 Catholic booksellers met and gave their unanimous endorsement to the creation of the Association of Catholic Booksellers of the United States and Canada. Anne Simms, an independent consultant to booksellers and publishers, became director of the association.
In May 2008 the association changed its name to the Catholic Retailers Association to more accurately reflect the range of products they provided for their customers. |
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Membership
