Official rules for the 2012 Retailers Choice Awards

Products nominated for the 2012 Retailers Choice Awards must have been published/released in 2011, with the exception of nominations in the Backlist category, and include clear Christian content, message or worldview.

In the Gift category, "inspirational" items not specifically Christian will be considered, although those contrary to orthodox Christianity will not be included. Entry fees for products not accepted will be returned in full.

Retailers will be asked to judge nominations on the impact they have had on staff and customers, including their ability to:

• speak to people’s hearts and evoke emotion
• open people’s minds to new ways of thinking
• encourage and affirm Christ-like living. 

We reserve the right to revise or eliminate categories. The deadline for suppliers to nominate products is Jan. 31, 2012. Nominating companies shall not canvass retailers for votes.

Voting details will appear in the March print issue of Christian Retailing, with a survey ballot available online for retailers. Voting will take place March 1-31, 2012. Voting retailers will be eligible for a drawing to receive a free selection of finalists' products.

The results will be verified by an independent firm of certified public accountants and announced in the spring at a location yet to be determined.

For more information, e-mail Managing Editor Christine Johnson at retailerschoiceawards@charismamedia.com.