Page 194 - One Thousand Ways to Make $1000

chairs with end tables at their sides, three display tables and the wrapping
counter took up the remainder of the space but left sufficient room for a small
crowd to get about.

One of the tables was sufficiently long to display a number of items suitable
for bridge prizes from $1.00 to $3.00, the prices usually paid in this
community for bridge prizes. A smaller table displayed playing cards, bridge
tallies, pencils, table covers, ash trays, and a few books on systems of playing
bridge. The third table held novelties which were the fad at the moment and
for which there would be a certain demand for a short time. The display case,
which was the bottom of the wrapping counter, held merchandise which is
easily soiled. This merchandise included silk lamp shades, silk and velvet
cushions, dainty linens and baby gifts such as bonnets, jackets, dresses,
shoes, carriage robes, and pillows.

A cabinet at one end of the counter contained gift cards, fancy paper for
wrapping gifts, ribbon and colored string, little candles for birthday cakes,
larger candles in various colors for luncheon and dinner tables, paper napkins
and tablecloths, and place cards.

The windows were kept shining and bright and the displays changed daily.
Only a few things were placed in each window each day—perhaps a bowl
and candlesticks, a picture and a piece of beautiful brocade, or a small lamp
and and unusual cigarette box opened to show the cigarettes within. Each
piece displayed was beautiful, distinctive, colorful, or perhaps all three.

Building Up a Clientele

A customer list maintained on cards gives the name of the customer, address,
and telephone number and, on the back, a list of the things purchased with the
date of purchase. A check of these cards from month to month brings up the
names that are not buying and a simple announcement describing new
merchandise received is mailed to such names. The telephone is also used to
tell customers about new items. Subscriptions to gift magazines keep Mrs.
Barclay in touch with new merchandise, and a visit to the more important gift
shops and the department store gift sections in the large city near by also