There was a feeling of intimacy and personal interest prevailing then that is so often lacking today.  Customers knew each other and the sales help knew their customers in that small town atmosphere.

Probably World War II brought a colder business attitude into being.  The prosperity birthed by the war years pushed the warmth and friendliness into the background.  Proofs of the public's attitude are apparent when one reminisces on incidents of that earlier era.

One Toy Store:  There was actually only one real toy store in town then.  The first customer entering the store to purchase a birthday present for her child to take to a birthday party was asked whose birthday was being celebrated.  For the next few days every customer buying a toy was asked by the clerks who it was for, and if it was for that birthday party a gift selection suggestion would be forthcoming.  The presents were opened at that party there were never any duplications.  It was a small world in those days.  A newcomer in town would shop on the Highway.  A store clerk would give her or him service and in the process would be sure to ask the name.  The next time that customer entered the store, he or she was addressed by name and asked as to his well being.  The sweetest sound to anyone is the sound of his name, and a friend was made.

From that point on another good customer was secured.  So why wouldn't business be always growing and prospering?  A comradeship in Haddonfield was proved once when a fire destroyed a newspaper store and its camera department.  Business was conducted there in a unique manner.  A three by five inch file card box contained the records of camera, projectors, and dark room supplies that were bought on credit with no interest charged.  All of the accounts were burned.  The next few days were a revelation.

Felt Disaster:  The customers felt the disaster as part of their lives.  The fire was on a Sunday night and before the end of the week nearly 100% of them had appeared with their last receipts that contained the balances to pay on their accounts or to settle up in full.  Checks paying overdue newspaper bills poured in with every mail delivery.  So many felt that the fire was their personal loss and showed their concern.  A small store, in a small town of big people.