Approximately two-dozen retailers received a dose of “usable ideas” Tuesday from experts in the Christian product industry.

The workshop “Retailer Rx: Ask the Experts” sought to help retailers discuss and overcome critical operational challenges by connecting with personnel in marketing and events, gift merchandising, lease negotiations, technology and store operations.

The informal session featured Suzanne Kuhn, owner of author events company Suzy Q, with 20 years’ experience with a regional bookstore chain; Sherry Morris, marketing manager for Carpentree; Dale Willerton, founder and president of The Lease Coach; Tim Johnson, president of Ideakindler; and Sue Smith, store manager of Baker Book House in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Louis McBride, Bible academic buyer for Baker Book House, told Christian Retailing that he “came to learn how to increase our social media.”

“Suzanne Kuhn provided more than I could have imagined in a short amount of time,” he said. “I'm informed and inspired.”

Cathy Stricklin, owner of the Lord's Store in Tridelphia, W.Va., which will open in October, added the workshop with her daughter, Rachel.

“I like that we were able to speak with each speaker/specialist. The speakers offered down-to-earth, simple suggestions. They were usable ideas.”

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