The daily monitor. (Mount Clemens, Mich.) 1940-1942, 1941-09-15

auo TIC u1AuuAaCSO4c1s SsCs
FRANK TALK
Fortunately, the retail indus
try is well equipped to become
vocal. The individual retailer.
in the regular pursuit of his
trade, is probably more accus-
toned than any representative
of American industry to speak
point-blank to the public. Re-
failing Is tire business which
comes most often and most init
mately in contact with consum-
ers. The retailer advertises
daily. and, what IL more. he Is
believed.
The retailers neglect to con-
duct In the past Z program Of
simple education ~ to his place
In the scheme Of things Is largely
due, ! believe, to the fact that
until recently no single plan has
been presented,-one that might
easily and effectively be voiced
by all retailers ut one time.
The 1941 National Retail De-
monstration will be held from
September 18th to goth. Il will,
as heretofore be different from
that Of other trade weeks" in
that II will not constitute q sales
campaign. It will, on the con-
trary, represent . collective
goodwill" effort, one that
must, I believe, bring about .
better understanding between
retailers, government agencies
and consumers.
The theme for 1o41 viii b
Retailers for Defense" and
here's the reason why:
QUIET BACKGROUND
Az retailers we are forced to
the realization that we may no
longer look upon our business
or any other business except
against the grim background Of
the present world war. This
country Il, fortunately, still 1t
peace but Or government has
wisely embarked upon. Z great
effort to prepare the nation to
defend itself adequately.
Our Government can lead the
way to adequate preparedness.
1t can tax. it can plan and It can
legislate. But the real success
Of, the whole preparedness pro-
gram must BIZ measured by the
extent to which the men and wo-
men Of our country respond,
work and sacrifice, II need b,
in support Of the country's pro-
gram.
American business, In every
emergency with which the ma
ton has been confronted, has IL
ways demonstrated it, complete
willingness to subordinate it,
own interests to the national
good. Retailers have always CO.
operated most freely and their
support has proved Of the ut
most value. This time, a In the
past, they will be found ready,
eager and effective.
A great number Of merchants
throughout the country have
asked up this question: I'm what
special way can, we, Of the re-
tail craft, be Of service at this
time to our country" An an
swer to that question may be
found In the program that has
been prepared.
Here u the minimum part that
retailers must play In the Nh-
tional Defense program:
'sRETAMKRS FOR DEFKNSE!~
I. 70 practise and to preach
the doctrine Of "Our Country
First and Foremost"
2. TO act ~ Purchasing A.
gent for the Public" and in that
connection:
.. TO prevent, - far a pos
sible, unwarranted increases
In the price Of merchandise.
b. TO eliminate any unfair
trade practises which may
tend 70 injure the public.
c. 10 eliminate all scare
advertising. particularly that
which says or implies buy
now because prices are rising"
d. To keep consumers in-
formed % % the causes o..
price Increases, likewise such
changes IN quality - ars
made 10 svoid IN increoso in~
price. 1e
.. 70 aid IN Ne dsveIop-y
{. TO Develop simplifica-
ton ofmeechandise types % @
10 eliminnfe Waste and thu
free laboe and materials 1ue
natioual defense.
msnt and dlstribution Of sub