David Spencer Limited
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Content type
Digital Document
Description / Synopsis
Consumer products available via mail order from an independently owned retailer based in Vancouver, Canada. Women's tailoring features masculine-style shirts and slacks alongside house dresses and pleated skirts. Hemlines hit just under the knee and waists are cinched throughout. Of note in the men's department is military apparel: air force, army, and navy. Both genders are encouraged to use Spencer's personal shoppers: ""Janet"" for the ladies and ""John Foster"" for the gents. Various sailor suits are one of the many offerings for boys, whereas the girls' section is severely limited due to stock shortages. Also included are household items, farming and auto supplies, vegetable seeds, musical instruments, and more. Fur storage is one of several services provided. References to World War II include advising shoppers to buy war savings certificates, prompting consumers to indicate second choices due to potentional shortages, and sternly warning against hoarding and "lavish spending."
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Content type
Digital Document
Description / Synopsis
Consumer products available via mail order from an independently owned retailer based in Vancouver, Canada. Hemlines are notably shorter compared to previous years, particularly on day dresses, which now hit at just below the knee. Blouses are more feminine and feature frills and balloon-like sleeves. Twinsets are plentiful, and both squirrel and French seal skins can be found in fur jackets. Pumps make an appearance alongside Cuban heels. One-piece swimsuits feature bust support, zippers, and panties beneath mid-thigh length skirts. Highlights from menswear include Sanforized fabrics designed for durability due to their tightened fabric weave and moleskin fabric work shirts. Workwear ranges from prospector breeches to painters' high-back overalls. Pyjamas are striped and suits are both single and double-breasted. Childrenswear features eiderdown kimonas for babies and toddlers, reversible coats for girls, and doeskin shirts for boys. Crepe-soled shoes are available for both genders and all ages. Fabrics found throughout the catalogue include suede taffeta, Swiss organdie, English suiting, and angelskin hubatai for lingerie. Also included are five pages dedicated to photography supplies, jewellery, Easter chocolates, unpainted furniture, convertible sofas, ""playthings"" (a.k.a. toys) for children, and decidedly contemporary floor tile patterns. Customers are encouraged to visit the in-store beauty salon when next in town. World War II's presence is made known via the sale of Canadian military badges and ribbons, stock shortages and price fluctuations, and more formal and grand weddings featuring a "military touch."
Origin Information
Content type
Digital Document
Description / Synopsis
Consumer products available via mail order from an independently owner retailer based in Vancouver, Canada. Women's summer midi dresses feature patterns and elaborate necklines and hit at just below the calf. Flared pants, silk crepe blouses, and knitted suits are accompanied by millinery, gloves, and silk hosiery. Shoes, both solid and two-toned, are predominantly Cuban heeled and frequently include arch supports. Menswear ranges from GWG Iron Man workwear pants to suits and dress shirts. Pant legs typically feature cuffs, including workwear. Accessories of note include arm bands, separate shirt collars, and suspenders alongside more typical fare such as belts and ties. Children's clothing is similar to both men's and womenswear—a notable difference being hemlines for girls include knee length. Fabrics are mainly cotton, silk, wool, and rayon. Home sewing is promoted through sewing machine sales and an extensive fabric selection suitable for dresses, coats, bedding, and draperies. Also included are household items, farming and fishing equipment, sporting goods, books, tobacco products, and more. Available services include picture framing, film developing and printing, and shoe repair.
Origin Information