For over 15 years, we have been attending trade shows, exhibitor events and even our own retail store. We closed our retail storefront in Frisco, Texas in 2015 after eight years in one location. It became prohibitively expensive to lease and maintain all of the overhead costs associated with running a retail store location. We attended over 50 shows per year, across the country. These many events helped to develop a broader customer base and give us the opportunity to meet and pray with our customers face-to-face. But the increase in internet usage and customer acceptance to shop on line has changed all of that. The shows and events have been declining in attendance dramatically since 2008. The economy has pushed many "arts and crafts" vendors out of business and they have been replaced with "buy and sell" merchants that buy items from overseas (many times these items are copycat or knockoff designs) and sell the imported goods at shows or through an online storefront. Many of the boutique stores have closed down because Amazon, EBAY and Etsy have made shopping for unique items easier. Even Christian Retail Stores are struggling to maintain "brick and mortar" stores.

When we first started HoldingCross.com in 2001, there were few people comfortable with "internet purchases". Today, most people use the internet daily for ordering, providing information, daily devotionals and even social media. We have quite a few elderly that want to talk with someone and we handle hundreds of phone orders every year. We receive hundreds of personal notes and messages of blessings from our customers every year. Prayer requests, personal note cards. custom engraving and personalized StoryCards are just some of the ways we strive to be unique and have a servant heart for you, our customer and ministry partner in Christ.

All this to say, the Lord continues to guide and direct our path in this ministry. We no longer have a physical storefront location. We no longer go to shows. We are focused on providing the best service and hand made quality products using our internet website, phone, mail, Churches, Hospitals, Non-profit Ministries and the Retail Stores that carry some of our items across the country. Every item (except ABBA Oils) is still designed and manufactured in our family workshop in Palestine, Texas. They are all the work of our hands. We pray they bless you and encourage you in the kingdom work we are all called into by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
 

Blessings to You,

Jack & Carol Scott