DRAWING-ROOM SHOPPING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26639, 9 December 1947, Page 2

DRAWING-ROOM SHOPPING

The latest American idea of retailing women’s clothes and accessories, is draw-ing-room shopping, says the New Zealand Draper. The idea has arisen from the fact that women wear formal and town clothes and accessories more often indoors than outdoors, and it is easier for them to buy what they want in settings similar to those in which they will wear them. One Boston store is exploiting this idea in an 80-year-old museum, set in a square of lawns and trees, and restored and redecorated at a cost of about £150,000. It is now reminiscent of an Edwardian country • home, with luxurious drawing rooms and rich tapestries. The only counter in the whole store is in the entrance hall and is for cosmetics and perfumes. Off the hall, with its big windows, alcoves, and red-covered settees and chairs, are three small draw-ing-rooms. one of which is for the sale of handbags. One of the most attractive rooms is upstairs where frocks and suits are brought in and hung on small stands for the customer to see. The hat salon has a low ceiling in contrast to the other lofty ceilings. Small gilt tables with mirrors and stools are set about the room and on one wall a large French cabinet holds one or two hats.