Page 206 - One Thousand Ways to Make $1000

to close the branch, Miss Oliver got the idea of opening a “drug-less drug
store.” She reasoned that there were a great many items that people went into
drug stores to buy that could just as well be purchased in a small attractive
shop that would cater especially to their personal needs. She had some money
saved, and upon inquiry she found she could have a little shop immediately
that would be quite reasonable to rent. She talked the idea over with her
mother and the two of them decided to try it out.

She stocked three good lines of cosmetics—really three price lines—
including face powder, rouge, lipstick, creams, etc. Other purchases were
four brands of tooth-paste, two brands of tooth brushes, some well-known
toilet waters, soaps, bath salts, manicure instruments, sun-tan lotions and oils,
talcums, and hair tonics.

Her “drug” section included such daily necessities as boric acid, witchhazel,
iodine, mercurochrome, nationally advertised antiseptics, corn remedies,
vaseline, sunburn remedies, rubbing alcohol, adhesive tape, gauze bandages,
indigestion remedies, etc. In addition she stocked the four most popular
brands of cigarettes, some chewing gum, razor blades, razors, shaving cream,
playing cards, a good quality of plain white stationery, and the popular
magazines. At the back of the store where it was cool and inviting was the
soda fountain and sandwich counter. A good grade of ice cream was carried,
the usual bottled goods, and a fine brand of coffee. Sandwiches were
prepared only on order and the lettuce, tomatoes, and other “fillings” were
kept fresh and crisp. No cooking was ever done in the store, consequently the
place did not have that unpleasant odor so often associated with drug and
other stores which serve light luncheons.

While they were not aware of it, nevertheless, both mother and daughter were
the sort that are exactly suited to handle a small retail business. Both were
nice looking, were immaculate in appearance, had cheerful, optimistic
dispositions, were friendly. They liked meeting and talking with people. And
they were not afraid of long hours or hard work.

Special Corner Sells Cosmetics