National Bargain Week

From Chicago fanwise over the U. S. last week began to spread the two periodicals with the greatest circulations (around 7,000,000 each) on earth--the fall and winter editions of the mail-order catalogues of Sears, Roebuck and of Montgomery Ward. Down an average 1.48% were prices for the 100,000 items of Sears merchandise. Down about the same were the prices of Ward.

In the face of the danger of a war-born retail price rise during the next six months, the price cuts of the two big mail-order houses were important--for neither merchant is likely to change his prices until next January's catalogue.

> Sears reductions included: cotton piece goods, 1.04%; cotton clothing, 1.25%; wool clothing, blankets, etc., 1.32%; silk goods, 10.22%; rayon, 1.3%; shoes and other leather goods, 1.96%; automobile tires & tubes, 2.32%; electrical appliances, 2.11%; floor coverings, 5.19%; building supplies, 2.35%; furniture, 1.99%.

> Montgomery Ward, which has in recent years ventured into higher quality lines, pulled in its horns a bit, but continued to expand its medium-higher-priced lines. Whereas the 1939-40 catalogue featured a top-price fur jacket at $139.50, 1940's stopped at a $69.50 fur coat. While last year's customer was offered a single $59.50 fur-trimmed coat, the 1940-41 buyer had three to choose from.

> Teaser for Ward's jewelry trade was a flock of watches selling from $49.95 to $145. Last year's top: $79.75.

> Disdaining fancy goods for 1940, Sears toned down its hors d'oeuvres page, substituted more staple canned goods: fruits, ham, chicken a la king, salmon.

> More Sears catalogues than ever before went to suburban and metropolitan customers, who now account for over 60% of the company's sales.

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