Since merchandise creativity is hampered by the reluctance of manufacturers to do special things for an individual store, it might be well to increase purchases in foreign markets more able to accept innovative ideas.

What we learned was that the collective glamour of a specialty store could sell a lot of merchandise.

It was at the department store where people got away from provincialism.

I'd like to put together a think tank of people - economists, futurists, city planners, a few department-store people - to discuss reinventing the department store.

The department store was a product of the 19th century and became a very important institution as America went into the 20th century. It provided show places in developing towns like Terre Haute, Sacramento, and Dallas.

As goods become more standardized - and mass production has that effect, standardizing product - the distinguishing factor between one store and another is going to be how skillful stores are in satisfying customers and making it a pleasant experience instead of a hostile experience.