The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1917-06-29
Topeka Stores Urged To Do
This for Sake of Economy.
Letter Received Today From
Council of National Defense.
U. S. NEEDS MEN and VEHICLES
Adoption of New Systems Urged
by First of August.
Style Seasons May Be Length
ened in Near Future.

Reducing to a minimum the deliv-
cry of small purchases is urged in
letter received today by local depart
ment stores from the commercial
economy board of the council of ma
tional defense.
In the present emergency" reads
the letter, sit is absolutely necessary
that the country's resources be used
to full advantage to aid in carrying
on the war. This requires that all
Unnecessary services shall be eliminat-
ed in retail trade as well as in other
lines of business.
The commercial economy board
has made a careful investigation of
the economies that are possible in the
delivery service of retail stores. This
shows that a large number of men and
vehicles can be released for military
or other service that is essential to the
welfare of the country"
The board asks the retailers, if pos
sible, to make not more than one de-
livery a day, eliminating special de-
liveries, altogether 1t urges that the
acceptance of returned good be re-
duced to an absolute minimum and
that all non essential operations in
each store be eliminated.
Minimize Returns.
There is such urgent need for men
and equipment in other work." con-
tinues the letter, that the country
cannot endure the waste that is oc-
casioned by the abuse of the returned
goods privilege and accommodation
deliveries of small purchases"
The board urges cooperation of the
merchants in making these correc-
tons. 1t suggests that these changes
in delivery methods should be intro
duced as early as practicable, certainly
not later than August 1. The board
Will use every resource possible, in
Guiding the state council of defense,
to assist in making these changes eff
fective.
These recommendations do not
come entirely as a surprise to local
merchants. Several weeks ago they
received letters from the council of
national defense asking pertinent
questions relative to the waste and
amount of deliveries occurring daily
which can only be made up by a hitch
to the price of goods. In those letters
the defense council especially asked
concerning the number of small pack
ages delivered, such as a spool of
thread, or one loaf of bread to the
outskirts of the city.
Too Many Styles.
The initial letter also asked numer-
Gus questions relative to the number
of style seasons introduced each year
and the increase in the price of goods
that the adoption of these styles cost
the people One merchant admitted
that the following of styles cost con-
siderable money, pointing out that
| jewellers at their conventions were urg-
| ing the adoption of styles in jewelry,
wearing of rubies being in style in
September and October, turquoises in
| November and December and so on
thru the year.
1--WE trust that we may have your
Incorporation in making these correc-
lions Immediately effective" the let
ter received today from the national
board closes. "These changes in de-
livery methods should be introduced
as early as practicable, certainly not
later than August /, 1917. The board
will use every resource at its com,
mand, including the cooperation OF
the state councils of defense, to as
sist in making these changes effec'