Abstract: A system and methods for designing, manufacturing and packaging customized items are provided. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive system is utilized in a retail store for customizing apparel, such as t-shirts, where a customer can choose an item to be customized from various styles, sizes and colors of blank items, and a design, decal or lettering to be affixed on the item in a specific place. The retail store has a deli-style theme that is familiar to customers and is organized and provides unique opportunities for display and marketing of customized items.