First-time International Christian Retail Show (ICRS) attendee Annette Rajskup was like a sponge when it came to learning about merchandising T-shirts, so she soaked in all that she heard during yesterday's Product Intelligence Tour on apparel.

Bill White-director of sales for NOTW (Not of This World) apparel, which also has the C28 stores-presented "Merchandising 101," which offered tips on walls, windows, tables and cash wrap displays of inspirational clothing.

"It was very informative," said Rajskup, who opened Hanford Bible and Gifts in Hanford, Calif., in December 2007. "I like the fact that NOTW has stores, so they know what works and doesn't work when it comes to merchandising apparel. I'm not using mannequins right now, but I'll start because of what I learned."

Bryan Hodge, owner of The Manger in Carson City, Nev., said he learned some things from the tour despite having run his store for more than 20 years. "I learned that grouping the shirts by size when they go on markdown or clearance will move the products," he said. "I'm so glad that CBA started these tours. I like that it's on the floor, and I don't have to go outside the exhibit floor. It's extremely convenient."

Bill White said he received positive feedback on his presentations. "This is a great way for suppliers like us to share specific knowledge from their particular niche," he said. "The attendees appreciate the information and knowledge they pick up."

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