Local Christian retailers say Passion merchandise selling briskly
"The Passion of the Christ" is shaping up to be a Christian merchandising event of Biblical proportions.
From coffee mugs featuring Aramaic language verses, the language Jesus speaks in the movie, to scripture engraved crucifixion nails mounted on leather pendants, local Christian bookstores and merchandise sellers say the Mel Gibson movie that opens today is making their cash registers ring.
"We've seen a pretty amazing response to the products that are directly tied to the movie," said Shane Kyle of Compass Christian Bookstore.
Veronica Garza of Mana Christian Shop agreed.
"We're selling a lot of jewelry," she said. "A lot of people are coming in here looking for jewelry that includes the little cross."
Other hot sellers include posters, and a "The Passion of the Christ" picture book.
"I think the subject in general seems to be getting much more attention," Kyle said.
Both said they have increased their orders for Passion related materials, and said customers can't get enough of Jesus' last days.
"The jewelry that's come out. The necklaces with the nail. There's a keychain that's cool and other necklaces that have the same emblem as the keychain. There's tie tacks, cuff links, pins, all are big sellers," Kyle said.
Garza says other books depicting the last days of Jesus have also seen sames increases.
"The Bible is selling really well right now, too," she said.
It's unclear how long the passion for passion related materials will last, but placing Christian related clothing items in the mainstream is certain to changefashion tastes nationwide.
"I think once the movie is out, we're really going to see something different happen," Kyle said.
The hottest Passion related item is certainly the crucifixion nail pendant, which both stores say are selling briskly.
The rough hewn nail is inscribed with a verse from the Old Testament book of Isaiah: He was pierced for our transgressions."