DEPARTMENT-STORE IMPORTING.

The article discusses United States department stores' development of importing techniques since World War I, outlining the methods and organization which enable department stores to do their own importing. Details related to the use of branch offices or commissionaires in several major European cities are presented. The progress of U.S. manufacturers in usurping markets formerly controlled by foreign manufacturers is detailed, and the growing number of sample lines of imported merchandise in the United States are reviewed. Discussion is also given to the need for well-planned importing methods and policies.