RETAIL POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 134, 7 June 1940, Page 10

RETAIL POLICY

WARTIME CONDITIONS

1 A large Sydney retailing establishment Jias issued to its buyers and stafE generally the following instructions: — "(1) Watch market trends and sources of supply; (2) consider if certain luxuries or highly fashionable lines are likely to be eliminated by the ban on imports, by being made in neutral countries likely to be involved in hostilities, or by going out of fashion on account of economy; (3) confine business in the main to suppliers who are likely to be able to stand up to the changed conditions; (4) build stocks gradually to cater for the needs more than the desires vof the people; (5) eliminate waste wherever possible in wrapping, electric light, tickets, and effect all small savings wherever possible."

A Sydney journal in commenting on these instructions pointed out that I firms which carry out the business of taking goods from the manufacturers or importers, and bringing them to the hands of the final consumer, occupy a key position of especial importance in any time of transition. Department stores and other selling organisations, as well as the manufacturers who supply them, depend greatly upon the accuracy and foresight of their buyers in placing orders for goods which may not be put before the public for many months. They must gauge not only the trend of public taste, but also the probable distribution of buying power among the various sections of the public. This has become a particularly difficult task under the conditions of war, when it is further complicated by the uncertainties of supply. A policy as outlined above, it is held, although in the interests of the retailer, is also of public benefit as it endeavours to anticipate future needs and stimulate production of necessary rather than luxury goods.