PRIZE PAPER: NEAT DISPLAYS IN EVERY AVAILABLE SPACE.

BY LOUIS J. STREHL.

Own-make goods occupy every bit of available space in our store. They are to be found on tops of show-cases, at the wrapping counter, on tables through the center of the store, and on ledges and pillars wherever opportunity offers.

We endeavor to make neat displays, showing as many kinds of goods as possible without producing a jumbled-together effect. Plainly lettered cards tell, in a few words, the merits of each preparation. A quite rigid system is adhered to in arranging these inside displays, a regular time being set for changing the goods and an endeavor made to have the settings a little different each time.

The tops of three show-cases are used almost exclusively for displaying our own-make and special-agency goods. One of these exhibits, located at the store entrance, generally takes the form of a miniature window display. The "story" is told by several cards just as it would be if the goods were in the window. Wherever possible dummy packages are used, for with the display so near the door, a light-fingered shopper might be able to get away unnoticed with several filled packages.

The two other cases, located near the middle of the store, are used for smaller displays. On one occasion a display may consist of six or seven small piles; on another it may be one large and five small piles; on still another, two large and three small piles. The height limit of the displays on the two cases is 21⁄2 feet.

BASKETS FOR SMALL ARTICLES.

Of necessity, there are spaces left between these piles, both for the purpose of making the individual shows stand out and for providing spaces through which goods may be sold. Instead of allowing these spaces to remain

empty we place in them small, shallow baskets containing headache tablets, hat bleach, liver pills, and other small items. A price card is at the back of each basket. These goods cannot be arranged in similar manner to the large packages, so that the baskets come in very handily for display purposes. The baskets can also be used for "specials" of soap, face powder, or other small articles.

The tables through the center of the store we consider to be our best means for attracting attention. Seasonable goods are always shown on them and they seldom fail to bring home the bacon. The tables stand about 21⁄2 feet high and displays are limited to three feet. If made any higher, the appearance of the rear of the store is hurt. Whenever possible we use signs on both the front and back of these displays in order that they may be seen from either end of the store.

SHOWING BREAKABLE GOODS.

One must be careful, however, in making displays of breakable goods on these tables, because hurrying customers are likely to bump into them and cause a smash-up if the goods are not safely arranged. Care must also be taken to see that no nails are protruding from the sides of the tables, as the druggist is liable for any damage done to customers' clothing.

Blank spaces on pillars and walls we cover neatly and in a way that makes them work for us. Boards of suitable size are covered with plush or other material and to them fastened, by means of pins, glue or tacks, full or dummy cartons of tooth paste and other small packages. A price card is placed in the center of each outfit. The finished boards are hung, picturelike, over the blank spaces. Once every two months is often enough to change the boards.

When we buy goods bearing our imprint we have the manufacturer strike off an extra hundred cartons. This is a good investment, for it