New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-01-29
PARTISAN SHOPKEEPERS.
THEY HAVE MANY TRICKS OF TRADE
PREPARED FOR L'AMERlCAlNE
AN ARTIFICIAL FLOWER SHOP THAT HAS BE-
COME A LANDMARK OF THE GREAT
FRENCH METROPOLIS.
Paris. january %. 1899.

FRENCH METROPOLIS
Paris January 90 1899
TIL. shons have taken on n dsmanteG look that
seems to be their characteristic appearance after
the HOLIDAYS During the season Of "etrennes" the
Partisan shopkeeper relaxes a trhe from his habit
ual economy and decks his windows in manner
attractive 10 the passerby and possible purchaser.
But after the jour de ran. TO his mind all need
for this wastefuness has departed, and the fear
that his goods may become shopworn and cheap
ened by permitting the vulgar eye TO gaze upon
them urges him TO put them out of sight
The jewellers anu dealers In bric-a-brac nave
nearly always a good display In their windows II
is the dealers in gowns. hats and perishable fem
mime Anery who find il hard TO expend money in
tempting window display. They are actuated by
e two fears-nrst. that they may have shopworn
goods left on their hands. and. second, that peo-
pie will look In the windows instead OF coming In
where they may be tempted TO buy. In some OF
the cheaper shops 1t is not uncommon for clerk
TO step out and ask one who looks too long In a
window to enter Touts of this sort are 10 be met
with IN the Palais Royal and along the Rue de
Rivoll. There other shops that bear the sign
"Entree Libre" but they apt to be the very
dearest shops from which TO leave.
II Is the fashion OF some well-known and repu-
table miners shops TO expose few ordinary
hats in the window with the announcement that
one will find the latest creations within. Certainly
there are few visitors TO Paris who have not some
time or another met with an insolen salesman
have taken up his time and seen his goods.
FOR TRANSATLANTIC GUESTS"
But the French have in a degree learned that
Americans are often attracted by something in
window and during the summer they put
bold front possible attract the transatlantic
guest but they make up for this and the neces-
sary Christmas display by the cleverest kind Of
economy during the present season. This clever
ness consists IN displaying something that is at
tractiye and yet Will not get Of style quickly
that It may not be used another season Petticoats
opera cloaks and dominos are excellent for this
purpose. There Is shop in the Rue de Ia Paix
that had In It's window two years ago a wonderful
petticoat of violet brocade. trimmed with lace and
artificial violets 1t was remarkable creation and
attracted deal Of attention during the summer
After that II disappeared. to be put carefully away
evidently for II met my eye again yesterday, as
fresh as ever. II IT had been blouse or hat it
would have betrayed in some fashion shat It was
years old,
Ore of the big shops that spend large sums In
advertising has its windows decked now with
dominos and opera cloaks Some Of the latter are
new but IT IL a fact that good share of them were
shown last season: the dominos are always safe
investment during the season Of masque balls. for
their fashion seems vary. Some Of the
more conservative shops never seem TO change at
all In the dressing OF their windows. and evidently
regard what is displayed there as trademark by
which the establishment may be remembered.
There is in Paris, in the neighborhood Of Cooks
Office a dealer In artificial flowers in whose window
has bloomed for years marvellous bunch OF
dandelions including flower that has gone 10
seed 1t is there 10 day; remarked IT on my first
visit TO Paris seven years ago, and have no doub;
that the recoilections Of Of my readers would
60 even further In establishing the longevity OF this
nice specimen OF artificial fower-making
ECONOMICAL. SHOPPING
II the shops are deserted now. they are full Of
bargains and coupons" and IT IS excellent
time TO do careful and economical shopping for
the coming season. The high-prced dressmakers
are beginning TO be very busy, for the world" IS
going 10 the Riviera. and the world That SPENDS