The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-08-19
LUXURY SALES SOAR;
WOMEN BUY FREELY
Men Economic as Feminine
Workers Take Lead in
Scattering Coin.
EAST AND NORTH SAVE
West and South Spending
More: Wealthy Cut Expenses,
Report Shows.
Special Despdteh to THE sux,

WASHINGTON, Aug. ls.-Dcspte the
national appeal for economy and thrift
to save money and materials to win the
war. war wages have brought generally
increased purchases, even OF luxuries
and sem-luxuries. in most sections OF
the country. This Is shown by survey
on purchases by individuals made by
the Council of National Defense.
One OF the statements brought out Ia
that women are spending more money
and buying greater quantities OF clothing
and other personal articles than ever
before, while purchases by men are-de-
creasing. This is accounted for in two
waye-by the increase in the number Of
women wage earners, the increase in
their earnings and increased expendi-
lures by women from increased family
budgets, and by reason Of the fact that
men going into the military service have
in measure ceased to be purchasing
factors.
1t Is indicated in the report that the
we'll to do and the persons accustomed
to luxuries are buying less OF II EN-. while
those unaccustomed to Injuries under
normal conditions are buying more OF
them. The East and Northeast are
cconomizing, while the South and tie
West are spending more than ever.
Thorough InvestiGa lions.
The council undertook an investiga-
ton to determine whether purchasing by
civllians had increased or decreased
during the war period. Information was
received from large representative con-
Germs as we'll as Y e smaller merchants.
and from labor organizations. Some OF
the most interesting conclusions reached
are those showing a decrease of 80 per
cent. in shoe purchases. and big in
creases in the purchase Of luxuries. au-
tomobile and bicycle supplies leading
the list. Pianos and organs come next
in the Injuries bought. and diamonds,
wa tches and jewelry third.
One OF the most illuminating state
ments was from a big national concern
doing business with consumers In every
section of the country. In addition to
its own taoulation the CONCERN drew con-
illusions from its own experience and
from additional information from re-
bic merchandising sources. A sum-
mary Of these conclusions shows:
In boys clothing there was decrease
in higher priced lines and an increase
in knee pants, rompers and blouses and
other small items offsetting this.
4 big decrease in clothing for young
men.
n Dig increase in the purchase or
work clothes
A big decrease in the purchase Of
mems furnishings. particularly in hats
and dress shirts.
A 80 per cent. increase In the pur-
chase of womens dresses. This is OFT
set somewhat by a decrease in the pur-
chase or suits, skirts and misses dresses
An increase in the purchase of coats
ana waists. with marked increase in
demand for the higher priced better
garments
Muslin underwear. aprons and other
Items show a decided increase. bringing
wearing apparel--that women are buy
Ing more freely than men.
Household Goods Decrease.
Purchase Of household goods in gen.
eral showed a decrease
There is decided increase in sales OF
small sized diamonds and falling of,
in sizes half a carat upward. This is
que no doubt TO increased prices and the
tendency OF people to huy diamonds hy
price alone-that is, they have SIS or
800 to PIT in a stone. and IL brings a
much smaller one than il did a wear or
two ago.
Watches are in great demand, particu-
larly wrist watches.
Fountain pens and stationery show a
decided increase
race powders and creams show an in
crease, while toilet articles. such as
and shaving sets, show a de-
crease.
Drawing general conclusions from its
own business and information obtained
from other sources. this firm states, IN
the first place. that in mercha ndising for
womens exclusive use it is certain that
sales are increasing.