Innovative in the News

Recent Press Releases

Signature Marketing Network Launches Family Entertainment Promotions
Independent Christian Retailers Report Sales & Margin Gains For 2015
Signature Marketing Announces Record Number of New Retailers In 2014
Christian Retailers Sales Up, Beating NRF Black Friday Sales Trends
Independent Christian Retailers Grow Sales Utilizing Proven New Tools
Signature Websites Retailers Sell Record Number of In-store Promotion Products 4Q
Signature Websites Network Launches Enhanced Integrated Marketing Driving Increased In-store Sales & Profits For Christian Retailers
Thomas Nelson, Inc. Brings New eBook Sales Support to Christian Retailers Company Partners with Signature Websites Network
Signature Websites Launches eBooks on Over 300 Christian Retailers' Websites
Innovative Launches New Tools To Grow Retailers' Church Relationships and Profits
Signature Websites Announces e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook Solution
Signature Websites Showcases Digital Marketing at ICRS Driving Store Sales & Profits
Signature Websites Introduces Powerful New Tools To Drive In-Store Traffic & Sales
Innovative Expands Online Network with Purchase of Parable Online Stores
Innovative Participates in Church Rebuild on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Season Finale
Berean Christian Stores Announces New Website and E-commerce Capabilities
Berean Christian Stores and Innovative Announce Strategic Partnership
New Music First Promotions Launch on Innovative's Signature Websites
Major Signature Website Enhancements Poised to Impact Fall Sales
Anchor and Innovative Partner to Help Christian Retailers Reach the Church


Signature Marketing Network Launches Family Entertainment Promotions

April 11, 2016

Signature Marketing Network has launched Family Entertainment Promotions with over 250 Christian retailers featuring New, Bestselling and Sale CDs and DVDs every month, bringing in customers wanting to buy the music and movies showcased in the media. Signature Retailers are now featuring Family Entertainment Promotions, along with the very best Books and Bibles with savings to 70% on a record 1,300+ monthly endcaps nationwide, supported by customized in-store signage, online features and email marketing. New sales tools make increased promotion discounts and dynamic displays easy and profitable with plan-o-grams, monthly sales tips and easy order forms, as well as sale stickers and signage for each promotion.

“We are excited about expanding the promotional categories in our store with the tremendous savings for our customers and added discounts for our store,” said Mary Schaap of Sounds of Light. “The new in-store sales and customer service tools really make promotions easy to carry out each month, too,” she added. Sounds of Light's Family Entertainment and other promotions can be viewed online at www.sounds-of-light.com.

Retailers are seizing the opportunity to increase traffic and sales by broadening their product categories and providing the DVDs and related resources for blockbuster theatrical and TV productions like War Room, God Is Not Dead II, and When Calls The Heart. With DVDs becoming a must for parents traveling with kids, retailers are promoting DVDs as a great ministry opportunity with featured kid's DVDs by VeggieTales, Bridgestone, Superbook and others. Retailers' Best-of-the-Best Christian CD endcap promotions showcase top new releases on their release dates and promote customer sale prices competitive with major retailers and digital providers.

The resurgence of Independent Christian Retailers is underway. Together, record numbers of retailers are successfully competing in service and price with high-value customer promotions every month featured on their endcaps, supported by over 12 million emails and showcased on 10 million page views on their websites annually. It's all a part of the Signature Marketing Network, now including over 250 retailers nationwide.

Innovative, Inc. continues to be a leader in providing integrated traditional and digital marketing solutions to grow business. Through Signature Marketing and Innovative Church Marketing, they provide solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many leading Christian Broadcasters and Ministries. For more information visit www.thinkinnovative.com or contact Rick Patterson at (888)747-4264 x2024.


Independent Christian Retailers Report Sales & Margin Gains For 2015

February 2, 2016

Signature Marketing Retailers reported sales and margin gains for 2015 in their yearend wrap-up. "We were able to bring in more customers and increase sales in 2015," said Rodney MacKrill, owner of Divine Truth in LaVista, Nebraska. "Our promotions with customer savings to 50% featured on our endcaps and supported with our website and emails really helped us fulfill our commitment to compete in service and price every month, with strong profitability," he added.

In 2015, record numbers of Christian retailers promoted great customer savings with over 1,200 in-store endcaps each month. Their endcap promotions were featured in over 12 million emails and showcased on over 10 million page views on their websites. Many achieved sales increases during the Christmas season which they hadn't seen in years. "We promoted great customer savings on new and bestselling products every day throughout the Christmas season and it helped us increase Christmas sales by 10% over last year," said Nancy Ford, owner of Words of Wisdom in Swansea, Illinois.

Stores are finding great success in aligning their message across all channels. "Our customers like going to our website to find out what we are promoting each month, along with our store stock, and they love being able to hold items for in-store pick-up at the same price as on our website," said Bill Sharp at Living Room Bookstore in Bastrop, Texas. "This has helped us set new sales records," Sharp added.

Successfully serving Church leadership is a priority for retailers as well. "Serving the Church is really important to us," says Joe Catalano at Jesus Book & Gift Stores in New Jersey. "Our Churches want our promotions not only in the store, but with our catalogs, online and in our emails, so that's how we provide them."

The resurgence of Independent Christian Retailers is underway. Together they are successfully competing in service and price with high value customer promotions featured on in-store endcaps, supported by weekly customer emails and showcased on their websites. It's all a part of the Signature Marketing Network, now including over 250 retailers nationwide.

Innovative, Inc. continues to be a leader in providing integrated traditional and digit marketing solutions to grow business. Through Signature Marketing and Innovative Church Marketing, they provide solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many leading Christian Broadcasters and Ministries. For more information visit (www.thinkinnovative.com) or contact Rick Patterson at (888)747-4264 x2024.


Signature Marketing Announces Record Number of New Retailers In 2014

January 16, 2015

Signature Marketing announced today that in 2014 a record of 81 Christian Retailers joined the Network bringing the total number of Signature Marketing member stores to over 300.

"The addition of so many retailers is due primarily to other retailers sharing their success in growing their sales and profits with our program, which is easy to use and low cost," said Richard Hauhuth, Director of Signature Sales & Marketing. "In today's marketplace it is critical that retailers be price competitive while maintaining margin, promote monthly and communicate with customers frequently to successfully drive store traffic and sales," he explained.

As a part of the Signature Marketing Network, retailers receive a comprehensive promotion and marketing program designed for ease of use which allows retailers to focus on serving customers and creating sales. Signature retailers are now selling more by not spending their time trying to create promotions, signage, email plans, etc. By providing retailers personalized monthly promotion signs, working with industry partners for added discounts with easy ordering and marketing directly to retailers' customers weekly, Signature Marketing is helping retailers bring customers back into the store more often with higher average purchases.

As of 2014 year's end, Signature Marketing promotions with customer savings to 40% were featured on over 1,200 in-store endcaps every month. These in-store promotions were supported with over 28 million customers reached digitally in 2014. This resulted in bringing more customers into independent Christian retailers to make their purchases.

"We are really excited to be partnering with so many retailers to grow their traffic, sales and Church connection every month, with solid profitability through the proven success of the Signature Marketing Program," said Larry Haege, president of Innovative Signature Marketing.

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing marketing solutions that grow businesses by integrating traditional and new media marketing tools. They provide Online, In-Store and Church Marketing solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many of America's leading Church Bookstores and other Ministries. Signature Marketing Network and Innovative Church Marketing are marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers and have been for over 30 years. For more information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888)747-4264 x2024


Christian Retailers Sales Up, Beating NRF Black Friday Sales Trends

December 10, 2014

Christian retailers utilizing the Signature Marketing Network promotion tools reported increased sales over the Thanksgiving weekend, in contrast to the decrease in spending reported by the National Retail Federation’s Thanksgiving Weekend Spending Survey.

Some Christian retailers experienced double digit growth in transactions and sales for Black Friday and Saturday Promotions. Retailers reported that their Signature Marketing deep discounted specials featured on their in-store endcap promotions and showcased in their email marketing and store websites, drove traffic and sales during their Black Friday and Saturday Promotions.

“Both our transaction count and sales were up because our special price promotions, in-store presentations and outbound marketing helped us compete and win with major retailers every day.” said Danny Vera from Christ Centered Life in Ft. Meyers. “Signature Marketing gives us the tools to build our own brand by leveraging the national brands, even integrating our online, email and in-store promotions with our marketing group promotions.”

“New products and Bestsellers deeply discounted to 40% or more off retail, along with $5, $7.97 and $9.97 price point items, all supported with margin protection by our vendors are critical to our success,” said Bruce Erdel of Christian Publishers Outlet. “We have found it very important to promote these key products and always have them prominently signed and featured in our store.”

“With another record year for Living Room Bookstore, we are grateful to God, my daughter Kim and our team here in the store for the way we are impacting our world for the Kingdom,” said Bill Sharp. “Our in-store sale and new release promotions, coordinated with our website and email promotions have been very effective in driving traffic and sales for us,” Bill added. “We take advantage of good deals every month through Signature Marketing, giving our customers the value they are looking for with service they can’t find anywhere else!”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing marketing solutions that grow businesses by integrating traditional and new media marketing tools. They provide Online, In-Store and Church Marketing solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many of America’s leading Church Bookstores and other Ministries. Signature Marketing Network and Innovative Church Marketing are marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers and have been for over 25 years. For more information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888)747-4264 x2024.


Independent Christian Retailers Grow Sales Utilizing Proven New Tools

June 11, 2013

Signature Marketing Network announces a record number of retailers in May successfully grew their in-store traffic and sales with online and endcap promotions showcasing their new and bestselling sale products.  These retailers drove in-store traffic and sales by featuring over 600 in-store endcaps with premier personalized signage, promoted on their Signature Marketing and in their personalized email marketing.  This represents a 46% increase in retailer promotions over the past 12 months.

“Our Signature Website is an awesome marketing tool bringing customers into the store every day—that’s why we love it,” says Bruce Erdel, Owner Christian Publishers Outlet.  “Coordinating product featured on our homepage with FREE email promotions including in-store coupons, has increased customer traffic and in-store sales of featured products as well as overall store sales.”

“We understand retailers have limited marketing budgets to drive consumer and Church sales.  That is why we are committed to providing them with marketing tools necessary for them to compete—FREE personalized endcap signage, coordinated FREE personalized emails and online features,” said Larry Haege, Signature Marketing founder and CEO.  In May, over 600,000 personalized customer email promotions were sent and retailers’ customers viewed over 2 million product pages with book chapters, author bios, music and video samples and eBooks, driving retailer in-store traffic and endcap sales.

The Signature Marketing Network also offers retailers enhanced email address collection tools, customer email address list management and the addition of customer email addresses to store lists by matching email addresses for existing physical address files.  Support of retailer marketing group digital catalogs online and in email marketing helps maximize in-store traffic and sales as well. 

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) continues to be a leader in providing integrated traditional and new media marketing solutions to grow business.  They provide Online and Church Marketing solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many of America’s leading Christian Broadcasters and Ministries.  Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Marketing have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers for over 25 years. For more information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888)747-4264 x2024.


Signature Websites Retailers Sell Record Number of In-store Promotion Products 4Q

January 7, 2013

Independent Christian retailers sold a record 80,000+ New, Sale and Bestselling Promotion Products in-store with special Signature Website Network coordinated promotions 4Q 2012.  These vendor-supported promotions were featured on retailers’ store branded Signature Websites, in personalized email marketing and on their customized in-store endcap signage. Driving 4Q in-store sales were customers viewing over 3 million pages on Signature Websites and customers receiving over 2 million permission based store branded email marketing pieces featuring their coordinated in-store endcap and other promotional products.

Retailers increased the in-store sales of their marketing group promotions as well with store-branded Munce, Parable, Logos and Innovative Church Marketing digital catalogs featured on their Signature Websites.  Digital catalogs featured on retailers’ websites and emailed to their customers provided customers access to extended product information with a simple mouse click on products in their digital catalog.  Customers accessed thousands of book chapters, audio and video samples, author bios and other featured content on retailers’ websites.  Catalog products were showcased on retailers’ Signature Websites at the prices listed in their catalog, showing in-store stock and providing convenient in-store order pick-up options.

Independent Christian retailers of all sizes are benefiting from the increased promotion, traffic and sales provided by the Signature Websites Network.  “We are excited to be selling so many of our vendor-supported in-store promotion products that we are increasing our orders,” said Mark Griffin of J. Farvers.  “Our Signature Website and their weekly professional email promotions showcase our store, promotions and digital catalogs…they’re driving our store traffic and sales.”

“We are fully committed to helping retailers succeed by generating the traffic, sales and profits which are necessary for them to compete in today’s marketplace,” said Larry Haege of Signature Websites.  “By providing retailers with premier branded websites, weekly branded email marketing and custom in-store promotions each month, we give retailers the tools they need to actively promote their store and drive in-store sales every day.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in integrated traditional and new media marketing solutions including Church Marketing solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, as well as many of America’s leading Christian Broadcasters and Ministries.  Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers for over 25 years. For additional information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888)747-4264 x2024.


Signature Websites Network Launches Enhanced Integrated Marketing Driving Increased In-store Sales & Profits For Christian Retailers

July 11, 2012

(Greensboro, NC) According to Ballentine’s Direct Marketing Trends for 2012, one overarching trend which is most obvious is integrated marketing. Having an integrated plan for direct mail, email, web, mobile, and other media strategies is not only important, it’s required. Recognizing this trend, Signature Websites Network, the leading provider of integrated marketing solutions for over 600 Christian retailers and ministries, is demonstrating its commitment to the Christian retail industry by launching enhanced integrated marketing tools driving in-store traffic, sales and increased profits for retailers.

Signature Websites Network has launched retailers’ enhanced web presentation of their stores, products, and marketing group digital catalog promotions (www.shopthegreatestgift.com), showcasing retailers’ in-store stock and order pick-up (www.longschristian.com).  Promotions are integrated into retailers’ websites, email marketing, and social media, as well as customer mobile devices and custom in-store signage.  Retailers’ monthly custom signage includes vendor-supported Sale, New and Bestselling products and eBook specials, their website address and promotions for email sign-up, along with images of the featured physical and eBook products (www.signaturewebsites.com).

The Signature Websites Network is now integrating retailers’ in-store promotions with their private branded website, weekly email marketing and social media by featuring their marketing group digital catalogs with links to extended product information for over 200,000 physical products and 20,000 eBooks, all priced to match the catalog prices. Over 100 retailers also feature monthly in-store Endcap Promotions with Sale, New and Bestsellers at vendor-supported special pricing, a program which is driving traffic, sales and increased profits every day for stores of all sizes (www.divinetruthchristian.com).

“We are seeing tremendous increases in retailers’ sales and bottom line which can be achieved through the integration of these marketing tools.  Retailers can focus on collecting customer email addresses, sharing current store information online and through their social media, and wisely using their email and other tools, rather than investing more marketing money,” said Larry E. Haege, President of Innovative.  “Through our integration of these traditional and new media marketing tools retailers are successfully driving in-store sales and traffic every day.  We are excited to provide the tools, expertise and training necessary for Christian retailers to successfully compete in today’s marketplace.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in integrated traditional and new media marketing solutions, as well as Church Marketing solutions for over 600 independent Christian retailers, Broadcasters & Ministries.  For over 25 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers.  For additional information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888) 747-4264 ext.2024.


Thomas Nelson, Inc. Brings New eBook Sales Support to Christian Retailers Company Partners with Signature Websites Network

February 23, 2012

(Nashville, Tenn.) - According to Pew Research, ownership of eReaders and tablets doubled over the 2011 Christmas holiday. Showing its commitment to the Christian retail industry, Thomas Nelson, Inc. has partnered with Signature Websites Network to assist retailers in growing both their eBook and traditional, in-store sales.

Signature Websites Network will now provide the ability for Christian retailers to sell Thomas Nelson newly released and best-selling titles in eBook format. As a result of the partnership between Thomas Nelson and Signature Websites Network, more than 300 Christian retailers are selling Thomas Nelson eBooks and downloadable audiobooks powered by eChristian through their personalized Signature Websites.

Not only can customers now purchase an eBook from their Christian retailers, stores are offering monthly “cost saving” promotions through online and in-store marketing. Whether customers prefer purchase of a physical product at the bricks-and-mortar location or through the retailers’ Signature Website in eBook format, they will receive the same discount.

“Thomas Nelson is committed to the success of the Christian retail channel in the launch and sales of eBooks, downloadable audiobooks and mobile apps,” said Robert Edington, vice president for Thomas Nelson Publishers. “With the tremendous growth of eBooks in the marketplace, we recognize their importance to retailers and Thomas Nelson alike. We will continue to provide strategic leadership essential for our mutual success.”

“The support of the Thomas Nelson team is enabling our retailers to develop their eBook business in addition to their core business, rather than replacing it,” said Larry Haege of Signature Websites Network. “We are confident that coordinating promotional efforts for both digital and print products, through in-store displays and online email marketing techniques will drive in-store sales simultaneously establishing Christian retailers as the source for eBook products customers can trust.”

“We are excited about having the great presentation of eBooks and audiobooks on our Signature Website,” said Bill Ballou of The Solid Rock Bookstore in Kearney, Nebraska. “Whether we are downloading books for our own Nooks or providing downloads for our customers, we are pleased with the great selection and convenience, all coordinated with our in-store promotions. We want the Solid Rock to continue to be the first choice for our customers.”

_________________

Thomas Nelson, Inc. is the world’s largest Christian publisher. The Company provides multiple formats of Bibles, inspirational books and digital content, with distribution of its products in more than 100 countries. Live Event Management, Inc., a Thomas Nelson company, is the nation’s leading producer of Christian live events. Thomas Nelson is headquartered in Nashville, TN. For additional information, please visit www.thomasnelsoncorporate.com.

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers. For over20 years, Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers. For additional information visit www.signaturewebsites.com or contact Richard Hauhuth at (888) 747-4264 ext. 2024


Signature Websites Launches eBooks on Over 300 Christian Retailers’ Websites

December 7, 2011

Signature Websites (www.signaturewebsites.com), the leading provider of digital marketing solutions for Christian retailers and ministries, announces the launch of Christian eBooks, Downloadable Audiobooks and Mobile Apps on over 300 Christian retailers’ websites with 11,000+ titles. Digital products are now featured in Signature Websites’ New Release, Bestseller and Sale promotions, which are proven effective in driving in-store traffic, sales and profits for Christian retailers.

Signature Websites’ best in class digital delivery system, developed in partnership with and powered by eChristian, gives customers immediate access to digital content in all formats on retailers’ websites with their own secure Digital Library with ongoing access to their digital content. The Association of American Publishers reported earlier this month that eBooks sales doubled in September 2011. Signature Websites recognizes how critical it is to provide retailers the tools and strategies for leveraging digital content to drive in-store sales, including retaining and growing their customer base.

“The new eBooks and Audiobooks presentation on our Signature Website (www.logosbookstores.com) is exactly what we had in mind when we began searching for an eBook solution a year and a half ago,” said Becky Gorczyca, Executive Director, Association of Logos Bookstores. “And the really good thing is...it's affordable for stores!”

Over 6 million unique visitors viewed 180 million product promotions on 300 retailers’ websites as a part of the Signature Websites Network over the 12 months ending October 31, 2011. Now, eBooks and Downloadable Audiobooks are a part of the over 200,000 Christian products featured on retailers’ websites. Customers can purchase products in all formats which are promoted on retailers’ websites, in their e-mail marketing and on their coordinated vendor supported in-store endcap promotions.

“We are committed to providing Christian retailers the products and promotions critical to their success, so they can give their customers information and access to New Release, Bestseller and Sale titles in all formats,” said Larry E. Haege President of Signature Websites parent company Innovative, Inc. “We look forward to providing 85% - 90% of all available Christian eBook titles on our retailers’ websites by the end of 2011, including competitive sale pricing and free digital product promotions for retailers.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers. For over 20 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers like Logos Bookstores (www.logosbookstores.com), Christian Book & Gift (www.christbk.com) and Tree of Life (www.christianoutlet.com), as well as leading Christian ministries and broadcasters.

For more information, contact Richard Hauhuth, Signature Websites Director Online Sales & Marketing at (888) 747-4264 ext.2024, richard.hauhuth@thinkinnovative.com or visit www.signaturewebsites.com.


Innovative Launches New Tools To Grow Retailers’ Church Relationships and Profits

November 15, 2011

Innovative Church Marketing (www.thinkinnovative.com), the leading provider of Church marketing solutions for over 500 Christian retailers, announces the launch of new tools enabling Christian retailers to add value to their relationships with local church leadership as well as earn up to $5,000 for each Church renovation referral.  This new Innovative partnership with Church Interiors, Inc., one of America’s premier Church renovation specialists for over 30 years, provides retailers an unprecedented opportunity to grow relationships with church leadership and increase store profits.

Retailers are cultivating their relationships with Church leadership, growing both church and consumer sales, which is resulting in increased store profits. Retailers are promoting premier Church renovation services, along with the best Christian educational resources, Church supplies and Church furnishings, utilizing Innovative’s comprehensive 2012 Church Supplies Catalog, Seasonal Church Catalogs and complete Online Church Promotions, along with In-store promotions of renovations and resources.

“We recognize the importance of retailers establishing solid and profitable Church relationships, that is why we launched the Church Renovation Program,” said Larry E. Haege, President of Innovative, Inc.  “After more than 25 years of service to over 650 Christian retailers, we remain committed to providing retailers the most innovative tools and strategies possible to reach the Church and the people inside.”

“With our experience of over 10,000 renovations, our architects, designers, and construction teams understand the unique needs of the church.  It is why we are excited to partner with local Christian retailers who share this heart for the Church,” said Charles Wicker, Sr. President of Church Interiors, Inc.  “At Church Interiors our goal is the same as the church renovation committee; make the church as beautiful as possible, at the lowest possible cost with little or no disruption to the church services.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing online and Church marketing solutions for over 650 Christian retailers. For over 25 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers like Tree of Life (www.christianoutlet.com), CLC Christian Bookcenter (www.clcbookcenter.com) and Christian Book & Gift (www.christbk.com), as well as leading Christian Church Bookstores, Ministries and Broadcasters.

Church Interiors, Inc. (www.churchinteriors.com) provides everything from cosmetic to complete turn-key Church renovations.  Included are flexible seating, pews, pew refinishing, cushions and onsite pew upholstering, as well as floor covering, stained glass, audio / video / lighting and more.  With over 30 years of serving churches large and small, they are the experts in making the church its very best.

For more information, contact Daniel Dutilly, Innovative Church Marketing Director Sales & Marketing at (888) 747-4264 ext.3204, daniel.dutilly@thinkinnovative.com or visit www.thinkinnovative.com.


Signature Websites Announces e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook Solution

April 25, 2011

Signature Websites (www.signaturewebsites.com), the leading provider of digital marketing solutions for Christian retailers and ministries, and a CBA-Endorsed Service Provider, announced the expansion of their digital marketing and website services to include private branded Christian e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook solutions through a partnership with eChristian. 

This e-Book and Downloadable Audiobook solution is a best in class digital delivery system which expands Signature Websites’ digital marketing services already proven effective in driving in-store traffic and sales for Christian retailers. Currently, Sale, New Release and Seasonal Promotions, along with over 200,000 Christian products are featured on retailers’ store branded websites, in their e-mail marketing, and their matching in-store endcaps, supported by top CBA vendors and supporting retailers’ marketing group promotions. Promotions featured on the Signature Websites Network in 2010 included 300 retail stores with over 5.8 million unique visitors viewing over 92 million products.

Download products will be added to current promotions, as well as being offered though new services to the industry. The Association of American Publishers reported earlier this month that e-Books and Downloaded Audiobook sales grew 200% for February 2011. Signature Websites is committed to help leverage download sales to drive in-store sales and downloads for the Christian Products Industry.   

“Providing customers with a complete selection of Christian e-Books and Downloadable Audiobooks is critical to the Christian Products Industry at this time,” said Larry E. Haege President of Signature Websites parent company Innovative, Inc. “Now is the time we must come together to develop business models successfully embracing e-Books and Downloadable Audiobooks for growth within our industry.”       

“We at eChristian are excited to partner with Innovative’s Signature Websites in their providing e-Books and Downloadable Audiobook services to the Christian Products Industry.” said Cory Verner, President eChristian, Inc. “Our experience and relationships built with ChristianAudio.com have been invaluable in creating the eChristian commerce platform which is a best in class digital delivery system.” 

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) is a leader in providing online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers.  For over 20 years Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites have been the marketing solutions of choice for leading Christian retailers like Cedar Springs Christian (www.cschristian.com), CLC Christian Bookcenter (www.clcbookcenter.com) and Christian Book & Gift (www.christbk.com), as well as leading Christian ministries and broadcasters.

For more information, contact Richard Hauhuth, Signature Websites Director Online Sales & Marketing at (888) 747-4264 ext.2024, richard.hauhuth@thinkinnovative.com or visit www.signaturewebsites.com.


Signature Websites Showcases Digital Marketing at ICRS Driving Store Sales & Profits

Greensboro, NC - June 21, 2010

Signature Websites is showcasing the power of digital marketing for Christian retailers at the 2010 International Christian Retail Show.  They are showing retailers how to increase sales and profits with digital marketing of in-store Sale and New Release Promotions.  During the show Signature Websites is conducting workshops in the CBA Town Center, filming bestselling author interviews for retailer websites and demonstrating digital marketing in Innovative booth #1118.

Retailers’ fall digital New Release promotions include bestselling author interviews of Philip Yancy, Phil Vischer, Wanda Brunstetter and others.  Sale Promotions include vendor supported customer savings of 30% - 50% on recent bestsellers. Customers receive promotions via e-mail marketing, retailer website promotions and in-store endcap promotions. All promotions drive sales, e-mail sign-ups and profits, giving retailers a critical competitive advantage in today’s marketplace.

“Today, retailers can give customers reasons to come into their store every day through powerful, cost effective digital marketing with the Signature Websites Network. Retailer websites and e-mail marketing promote in-store Sale and New Releases, along with store stock levels and in-store order pick-up” says Larry Haege of Innovative’s Signature Websites.  “Retailers are now promoting in-store events, sale and new release products, with marketing which is almost free, increasing store sales and profits.”

“Innovative is absolutely on target with their in-store promotions and store stock features on my Signature Website. These tools are critical for every Christian retailer serious about succeeding today,” says Bill Jones, owner Jacob’s Ladder Christian Bookstore, Margate, FL (www.jacobsladdercbs.com).
“The Signature Websites Network continues to help Christian retailers thrive in today’s marketplace.”

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) continues to be a leader in online and church marketing solutions for over 700 independent Christian retailers.  Signature Websites includes 170,000 product e-commerce, a dynamic online store presentation and e-mail marketing.  Innovative’s print, online and in-store Church Marketing tools are integrated with Signature Websites, as the premier Church Marketing solution. Innovative has served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years and is a CBA Endorsed Service Provider.  For more information visit Innovative booth #1118 next to Town Center at the International Christian Retail Show or contact: 

Phil Stringer
(336) 854-5570 x2009
eMail: Phil.Stringer@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com

Richard Hauhuth
(336) 854-5570 x2024
eMail: richard.hauhuth@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com


Signature Websites Introduces Powerful New Tools To Drive In-Store Traffic & Sales

Greensboro, NC - July 7, 2009

Signature Websites is introducing powerful new tools at the International Christian Retail Show to help retailers drive increased in-store traffic and sales.  These new tools enable retailers to provide their customers with access to their store stock levels on their website and give customers in-store order pick-up options online, as well as promoting bestselling vendor-supported sale products online which are available in the store.  Sale promotions are sent to customers via e-mail marketing, promoted online and showcased on in-store endcaps, driving sales and encouraging new e-mail list sign-ups.  All of these tools provide competitive advantages which are critical to retailers in the marketplace today.

“Signature Websites give customers reasons to come into Christian retailers’ stores more often and buy more.  Retailer websites which feature store stock levels, in-store order pick-up, and in-store sale promotions are proven to bring customers into the store ready to buy,” says Larry Haege of Innovative’s Signature Websites.  “Now retailers can promote customer savings of 30% - 50% with these vendor-supported in-store sale promotions, while maintaining their standard sales margins.  These savings motivate customers to come into the store, while the sales margin helps retailers succeed.” 

“Innovative is absolutely on target with their in-store specials and store stock features on my Signature Website.  Based on our experience, I feel these tools are critical for every Christian retailer who is serious about succeeding in today’s marketplace,” says Bill Jones, owner of Jacob’s Ladder Christian Bookstore, Margate, Florida (www.jacobsladdercbs.com).

Innovative, Inc. (www.thinkinnovative.com) continues to be a leader in online and church marketing solutions, providing effective tools and services, helping over 700 independent Christian retailers succeed.  Signature Websites includes 170,000 product e-commerce, a dynamic online store presentation and e-mail marketing.  It’s the online marketing solution of choice for leading Christian retailers.  Innovative’s in-print, online and in-store Church Marketing tools are integrated with Signature Websites, as the premier Church Marketing solution for leading Christian retailers as well.  Innovative has served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years.  For more information visit Innovative at booth #932 next to Town Center at the International Christian Retail Show or contact:

Richard Hauhuth
(336) 854-5570 x2024
eMail: richard.hauhuth@ThinkInnovative.com
Website: www.SignatureWebsites.com


Innovative Expands Online Network with Purchase of Parable Online Stores

Greensboro, NC - January 5, 2009

Innovative, Inc. has expanded its online network to over 700 Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministry outlets, with the purchase of Ministry Web Stores, the Parable Group subsidiary providing online commerce for an array of Christian retailers and ministries.  

“Now, the powerful message of our products and services can be communicated effectively to the customers of over 700 leading Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministries, through one network” says Larry E. Haege, Innovative founder and CEO.  “Innovative has created this successful interactive, multimedia, online network as the vehicle necessary for publishers, producers and retailers to bring the sights, sounds and passion of their products directly to the heart of customers—right where they are.”       

Ministry Web Stores serves a range of Christian organizations, from leading Christian retailers to multi-national broadcast ministries such as Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN), The Cove and Homeword.  It provides Christian e-commerce with full customer support, shopper security and 24-hour availability.     

Innovative will take over the day-to-day operations for most Ministry Web Stores clients, serving them through their Signature Websites online marketing services, including comprehensive e-commerce, online promotions and e-mail marketing services.  This platform is ideal for showcasing extensive interactive, multi-media product, promotions, and seller information so critical to success today, through a single online network including leading Christian retailers, broadcasters and ministries.

“The sale of Ministry Web Stores will allow us to focus our resources on franchising and quality services for our valued member stores” explains Parable CEO Steve Potratz, “including a strong commitment to grow our online franchise site Parable.com.”

Innovative, Inc. continues to be a leader in online and church marketing tools.  Parable provides effective tools and services to help independent Christian retailers succeed.  Both companies have served the Christian Products Industry for over 20 years.

For more information contact:
Innovative, Inc.
Larry E. Haege
(336) 854-5570 x2921
eMail: Larry.Haege@ThinkInnovative.com  
Website: www.ThinkInnovative.com    

Parable
Melanie Strouss
(805) 543-2644 x596
eMail: Melanie.Strouss@Parable.com
Website: www.Parable.com


Innovative Participates in Church Rebuild on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition Season Finale

Greensboro, NC - May 2008

Innovative, Inc. contributed Church Furnishing and Supplies for the 2008 season finale of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, airing Sunday, May 18 at 7/6c, when Ty Pennington and the show's designers rebuild the Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church in New Orleans, LA, in just seven days.

Innovative participated with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition when their designers discovered the Church Furnishings and Supplies they wanted for the Noah's Ark Church rebuild on www.Church-Supplies.com, Innovative's premiere church supplies retailer store locater and e-commerce. "We have served churches through the member stores of our Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Website programs since 1984", said Larry E. Haege, CEO of Innovative, Inc. "Our heart went out to this body of believers in need and we were honored to have been asked to participate in this church rebuild on behalf of our numerous retail partners."

For over 60 years Noah's Ark Missionary Baptist Church has served the needy in New Orleans. When Katrina hit, Pastor Willie Walker risked his life by going back to the devastation time and time again to help rescue hundreds and saved countless lives. When he finally returned to the church, he found it totally destroyed by the flood waters. Now, the crew of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition will rebuild this church, providing a place of worship for this congregation and a refuge for the entire community.

Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and church marketing solutions, serving over 600 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Their Signature Websites, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers. Innovative's Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annual and seasonal church catalogs and online church supplies, including www.church-supplies.com and private branded websites.

About ABC-TVs Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best Reality Program (non-competitive), is in its 5th season on ABC. The program is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Denise Cramsey is the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.


Berean Christian Stores Announces New Website and E-commerce Capabilities

Cincinnati, OH - November 2007

Berean Christian Stores has unveiled a new website as well as enhanced e-commerce capabilities allowing users a more convenient and consistent shopping experience to that found in Berean's retail locations.

Bill Simmons, president of Berean Christian Stores says, "The new site is the next step in our plan to provide enhanced levels of shopping to the marketplace. Berean has been an innovator with our in-store experience, providing customers with one of the best store models in the industry. This development extends this top-notch experience to the online arena," said Simmons.

Partnering with Innovative, a leader in providing e-commerce solutions to the Christian retail industry, Berean is able to offer an integrated solution across both print and e-commerce media, to ensure a seamless experience of excellent customer service to its customers. "We are particularly delighted that this solution is integrated across the web and in our print media," said Bill Schinkal, Director of Marketing. "Today, customers expect a seamless shopping experience from in-store to online, and this solution makes this possible for Berean's customers for the first time," continued Schinkal.

Larry Haege, president of Innovative, stated, "We are delighted to be partnering with Berean to provide an extraordinary customer experience. We're excited to be integrating the Berean message and promotions in consumer and church catalogs, Berean.com and e-marketing, maximizing their in-store experience-giving Christian consumers what they're looking for today," added Haege.

Berean Christian Stores is a privately held company based in West Chester, OH. There are currently 25 Berean locations in seven states across the country, with an average store size of 12,000 sq. ft. With over seventy-years of success in the Christian retailing industry, Berean Christian Stores strives to provide excellent customer service, outstanding value and an extensive product selection serving both consumers and churches. For more information on Berean Christian Stores, visit the newly enhanced website at www.berean.com.

Innovative, Inc. is a leader in cross-channel business tools and strategies for those in the Christian community, utilizing technology solutions, extensive Christian products experience and advanced business strategies on behalf of Christian Retailers, Broadcasters and Church Bookstores. Innovative is a CBA Endorsed Service Provider and has been providing retailers with church and other marketing solutions within the CBA industry for over 20 years.


Berean Christian Stores and Innovative Announce Strategic Partnership

Cincinnati, OH - September 13, 2007

At Berean Christian Store's Annual Managers' Conference earlier this week, Berean Christian Stores and Innovative, Inc. announced a comprehensive Strategic Partnership to leverage cross-channel marketing and retailing on behalf of Berean Christian Stores, driving Berean's retail sales and ministry impact in the marketplace.

Innovative will position Berean's marketing and mission message strategically across all marketing channels-consumer and church catalogs, Berean.com, e-mail marketing, in-store promotions and internal communication channels. The result will be greater opportunities for Berean's customers to understand Berean distinctives and enhance their access to Berean's consumer and church resource products and information.

"This partnership is a critical component of our commitment to communicate Berean's mission, products and value to customers and prospective customers in extraordinary ways at every touch-point-whether in-store or outside the store. Berean is confident that Innovative is the best partner to help us make this happen." said Bill Simmons, President of Berean

"We're pleased that our partnership gives us the opportunity to more effectively communicate the life-changing resources available at Berean, utilizing our technology solutions, extensive Christian products experience and cross-channel business strategies," said Larry E. Haege, president of Innovative. "Berean customers will experience a much greater connection to Berean and its products as we converge Berean's message in their stores, on Berean.com, in their catalogs and in e-mail marketing, by implementing digital, interactive and conventional tools. This means more effectively acquiring, engaging and retaining Berean customers, as we do for our other industry partners."


New Music First Promotions Launch on Innovative's Signature Websites

Greensboro, NC — 11.27.2006

Innovative (www.signaturewebsites.com) announced their launch of the New Music First campaign and major enhancements for all Signature Websites, with the November 21st campaign promoted in over 200,000 e-mail marketing pieces and on over 425 Christian Retailers' Signature Websites (www.nwbooks.com/e/newmusicfirst.asp) as a part of the Christian Retail Channel's New Music First promotions.

Innovative's strategy includes store-branded e-mails driving consumers back to the retailer's own website to sample new songs and watch music videos—key products in the retailers' comprehensive e-commerce including over 157,000 products. New Music First featured products are also merchandised online to provide greater exposure for these key new releases.

"New Music First will have an ongoing presence both online and in our bi-weekly e-mail marketing promotions", said Larry Haege, President/CEO of Innovative. "We believe strongly in the power of the Internet to communicate new product information and are currently providing consumers access to over 175,000 music samples online. We fully support this CBA channel-wide initiative and have committed resources to insure our retailers are leading the charge and enjoying higher music sales in their stores."

Signature Websites is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, providing online solutions for over 425 retailers, and is a part of Innovative, Inc. Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and Church Marketing solutions, serving over 750 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Innovative's Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog, the Church Resources catalog, and online church supplies.


MAJOR SIGNATURE WEBSITE ENHANCEMENTS POISED TO IMPACT FALL SALES

Greensboro, NC — 08.10.2006

Significant enhancements to Signature Websites (www.signaturewebsites.com) poise retailers for additional increased impact in the second half of 2006, following results for the first half of 2006 where website visitors doubled and online sales increased 149% over the same period last year. Visitors experience a more user-friendly online shopping experience and advanced product searches with recent enhancements. Retailers have new store online promotion tools and custom e-mail promotions to better promote their store events and services. Consumers can find answers to life-needs with proven Christian resources in the new Answers for Life resource guide. Traffic projections for Fall 2006 include 2.5 million unique visitors to Signature Websites each month.

The dynamic new user interface and expanded product features improve customer satisfaction with the online shopping experience. Enhanced online shopping features included the addition of new keyword searches, the ability to browse results by product category plus an updated look-and-feel to each Signature Website with new icons and buttons, product presentation pages and an enlarged home page presentation.

New local store online promotional tools and custom e-mail promotions allow retailers to promote their in-store events with ease, helping drive traffic into their store to maximize the impact of these events on their business. Store promotions are included right on the home page with options to link to additional details within the retailer’s custom website pages. The new Signature e-Blast program gives retailers a fast and economical way to promote their in-store events with a custom e-mail blast to their customer base.

The Answers for Life resource guide is a ministry-oriented feature with recommended resources in over 30 life-need categories such as Grief, Abortion, and Pornography. Each life-need category has it’s own featured resources across multiple product categories (books, Bibles, DVDs, etc.) as well as encouraging scriptures specific to that life-need.

The all-new www.ThinkInnovative.com website, including the Signature Websites virtual tour, was recently completed with detailed information about Innovative’s online and church marketing solutions for Christian retailers and ministries world-wide.

Signature Websites is the #1 online solution for Christian retailers, a CBA Endorsed Service Provider, providing online solutions for over 420 retailers, and is a part of Innovative, Inc. Innovative, Inc. is a leader in e-business and Church Marketing solutions, serving over 750 Christian Retailers, including many award winners. Innovative’s Church Marketing division is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog, the Church Resources catalog, and online church supplies.


ANCHOR AND INNOVATIVE PARTNER TO HELP CHRISTIAN RETAILERS REACH THE CHURCH

New Kensington, PA — Greensboro, NC — 03.28.2006

Anchor Distributors http://www.anchordistributors.com/ and Innovative, Inc. http://www.thinkinnovative.com/ believe that God has strategically positioned Christian retailers to work alongside the church in “equipping the saints.” Also, believing that effective church marketing tools and product fulfillment are critical to this mission, Anchor and Innovative have partnered to provide Christian retailers with effective print, online and in-store church promotional tools, as well as fast, convenient fulfillment of these promoted church products.

Every Christian retailer has the privilege of equipping the church with life-changing Christian resources, but retailers need effective print, online and in-store tools to accomplish this mission. “Innovative is committed to providing the tools Christian retailers need to successfully serve the church and the people inside — this has been Innovative’s mission for over 20 years,” said Troy Hurst, Church Sales and Marketing Director at Innovative. “We’re so pleased to now be partnering with Anchor Distributors in this mission.”

“At Anchor, we know that it’s critical for retailers to be able to provide their churches with the resources they need immediately. That’s why we’re committed to fulfillment of the best church resources as promoted in Innovative’s Church Supplies and Church Resource Catalogs, fast and simply,” stated John Whitaker, Vice President of Anchor Distributors. Now Christian retailers can fulfill church orders for candles, flags, bulletins and hundreds of other church resources fast and easy with Anchor’s no-hassle ordering, convenient free freight and same-day shipping.

About Anchor Distributors. Anchor has served Christian bookstores throughout the world since 1970. As a Christian-owned and operated business, Anchor’s mission is to flood the world with the gospel message by providing products and resources that glorify the Lord, Jesus Christ. They strive to bring Christian booksellers elite quality in all that they provide, constantly improving and updating their services to meet bookseller needs even more effectively.

About Innovative, Inc. Innovative is a leader in Church Marketing and eBusiness solutions, serving over 700 Christian retailers through Innovative Church Marketing and Signature Websites. Innovative Church Marketing is the leading provider of church marketing tools within the CBA market, publishing annually the Church Supplies Catalog and the Church Resources Catalog, and providing a web presence through Online Church Supplies. Signature Websites is the leading Online Solution for Christian retailers, providing store promotion and product promotion for over 150,000 Christian products online.