Christian retailers have been encouraged to learn marketing ideas from toy store chain Toys "R" Us.

The chain's multi-level, 110,000-square-feet flagship store in New York City's Times Square—the largest toy store in the world, featuring a colorful 60-foot Ferris Wheel—can offer merchandising and customer-satisfaction ideas, according to author and children's market consultant Mary Manz Simon.

Simon suggests the lessons in Christian Retailing's latest "CompeTuition" column, sharing retail ideas from other businesses.

Referencing a pedestal sign at the entrance to the Toys "R" Us store that features the question, Why Shop Anywhere else? "It occurred to me that Christian retailers might easily highlight at least two of the same points: baby registry (get ready for your baby) and wish list (make a birthday special)," she writes. "I also loved the handy store directory alphabetized by product category—from air hogs to video games—another easily adaptable idea."

Beyond all the noise and action, Simon noted that the store was clearly organized. Varied floor surfaces defined the different departments.

Read the complete article in the June issue of Christian Retailing.

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