Suggested Spanish Products for Getting Started The question you may be asking yourself then is,“ Which products do I start with?” Expanding your Spanish product offerings doesn’ t require an extensive inventory right away. The best approach is to start small and focus on high-impact categories. According to Joel, the following types of products tend to perform well and can help retailers build a solid foundation for a growing Spanish-language section.
Bibles – This is still the number one bestseller. While there are many different Spanish Bibles available, Joel says the cornerstone of this section is the Reina Valera 1960( RVR60). This Bible is known as the KJV of Spanish Bibles. Other Bibles to consider include children’ s Bibles, such as Biblia Completa Ilustrada Para Ninos( Kregel), and bilingual Bibles, such as the recommended NLT / NTV( Nueva Traducción Viviente).
Recommended Bibles The Foundation: Reina Valera 1960( RVR60)
Other Versions: Nueva Version Internacional( NIV), Nueva Traducción Viviente( NTV)
Bilingual Bibles: KJV / RVR60, NKJV / RVR60, NLT / NTV
Children’ s Resources – Don’ t overlook your children’ s section. Joel says that Spanish children’ s titles are a major entry point for young families, especially parents who want to connect their Spanish heritage with their Christian faith. Children’ s resources are also an easy and meaningful first purchase, often leading parents to explore the rest of your Spanish-language selection.
Spanish children’ s titles are a major entry point for young families
Gifts & Apparel – According to Joel,“ Second and third generations may speak English but value their heritage and will purchase for moms and grandmas.” Joel says Spanishlanguage wall art, mugs and jewelry are especially popular, offering customers meaningful ways to showcase pride in their heritage while also making thoughtful, culturally relevant gifts.
3 Tips to Merchandise Spanish Products 1. Choose a Visible Location. Where you position Spanish products in your store is key. Joel says,“ Don’ t hide Spanish products in the back.” These products should be visible to shoppers. Many of your regular customers may not come into your store looking for Spanish products, but visible displays can spark interest and encourage impulse purchases. When shoppers notice these products, they’ re also more likely to mention them to friends, family or community members who are specifically looking for Spanish-language resources, helping expand the reach of your store.
2. Use Bilingual Signage. Store signage is necessary to attract and inform customers. Bilingual signage on your door and in your store will help target specific shoppers, letting them know that you carry Spanish products, and direct them to those products. By catering to the needs of your clientele with bilingual signage, you are making the shopping experience easier and more welcoming for potential customers.
3. Create Displays. Make it easy for shoppers to find all of your Spanish product offerings in one location. Joel suggests arranging product bundles, such as pairing a Spanish Bible with a Spanish journal or devotional. He also recommends having study accessories( e. g., bookmarks, highlighters, Bible tabs) and church supplies nearby( e. g., tithe envelopes, badges, Communion).
Overcoming Common Hurdles Language Barriers The most common concern is the one you’ ve probably already said,“ I don’ t speak Spanish.” The good news is, Joel says you don’ t have to!“ Use technology and focus on the universal language of hospitality,” he explains.“ Google Translate will be one of your best tools.”
Google Translate is an app that can be added to your phone so you can easily access it when you’ re working the store floor. With this app, you can type into the text field( or use the microphone icon to speak words) and have it translated into the language of your choice. You can translate from English to Spanish or vice versa.
40 CRA today / www. christianretailassociation. org